JR East is working on innovations for conventional railway lines, mainly in the greater Tokyo area, as part of its 2020 Group Management Vision—Challenge. Among these innovations, verification by running tests is essential for "development of next-generation train control and monitoring system" and "development of railway infrastructure status monitoring equipment using rolling stock in commercial operation". A test train named MUE-Train was produced to meet these needs.

The carriages are remodeled versions of the series 209 EMU that were used on the Keihin-Tohoku Line. They were completed in October 2008 and are undergoing running tests on the Tohoku Main Line (Utsunomiya Line), the Saikyo Line, and others. Using this MUE-Train, we are efficiently advancing technological development by gathering data when the rolling stock actually runs along the track. Currently, the MUE-Train is equipped with train control and monitoring system and wayside equipment monitoring devices, and we are carrying out function confirmation tests such as control status monitoring, etc.

"MUE-Train" is a short form of "MUltipurpose Experimental Train".

Main development projects conducted with the experimental train

1. Next-generation train control and monitoring system
   We have developed the INtegrated Train communication/control network for Evolvable Railway Operation System (INTEROS) under the development concept of improving reliability and service. Our goal is further expansion of functionality such as development in three networks divided into control, status monitoring, and information systems, and "information transmission between ground equipment and among trains using WiMAX," etc.
   
   

2. Railway infrastructure status monitoring equipment using rolling stock in commercial operation
   Development is ongoing for equipment to allow frequent monitoring by regular rolling stock in commercial operation that will quickly detect changes in railway infrastructure, so that this information can be utilized for maintenance. This will replace current railway infrastructure monitoring performed with special measuring vehicles and measuring equipment. Tests are on small equipment that can be installed on rolling stock to measure the status of items such as rails, overhead lines, and safety equipment (ATS).

Design

White, representing a bright future and hope, is used for the stripe color. An image of new railway system construction where brightly shining technologies of many fields come together is expressed by block patterns gathering at the stripe and by the connected MUE letters.