The 207 series was developed for use on the
Katafuku Line (now known as the JR Tozai Line), and also to be the standard commuter train type for JR-West. The type was introduced into service on 30 April 1991, replacing ageing
101 series and
103 series EMUs operating on the
Fukuchiyama Line and the
Katamachi Line.
Livery revision With the introduction of the
321 series fleet from 2005, the 207 series fleet was re-liveried from its original two-tone blue scheme to a navy-and-orange color scheme, matching that of the 321 series.
Refurbishment On 22 September 2014, JR-West announced that the 207 series fleet would undergo a program of refurbishment, aiming to improve the fleet's safety, efficiency, and accessibility. 0-subseries set Z22, the first set to be refurbished, returned to service on 17 November 2014. During the refurbishment program, the interior was fitted with wheelchair spaces, enlarged seat partitions, newly introduced intermediate seat partitions to make way for vertical grab bars, and LED lighting. External changes include the use of
HID headlights, gangway door-mounted wipers, and end car-mounted safety fencing. In addition, the fleet was equipped with fault detection technology, and much of the existing electrical equipment was overhauled. File:Series207-0R-Z22-LED (2021-09-13).jpg|Z22, the first set to undergo refurbishment, in September 2021 File:207系体質改善車 車内.JPG|Refurbished interior
Withdrawal On 6 April 2022, the 7-car prototype set (F1) was forwarded to Suita General Depot for scrapping. == Variants ==