S-Train service was first announced by the four operating companies on 16 June 2016,[1] with further details being given on 10 January 2017.

It is positioned lower than Seibu's limited express (the Red Arrow) on the Seibu service hierarchy, but is placed higher than Tokyu's limited express (which does not charge extra fees) in Tokyu's service hierarchy.

[citation needed] On weekdays, S-Trains operate mainly to serve commuters.

The biggest feature of the weekday S-Trains is that it skips Ikebukuro Station, which is a core transfer terminal on the Seibu Ikebukuro and Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Lines, and is Tokyo Metro's busiest station.

Another feature is that it operates as a limited stop service within the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.

The section is 113.8 kilometres (70.7 mi) long, which is the longest distance of any Tokyo Metro through train service.