Japan Could Launch Driverless Bullet Trains by Mid-2030s

Photo : AFP

Tokyo: Shinkansen bullet trains could be operating without drivers by the mid-2030s, according to East Japan Railway (JR East). This ambitious plan is partly driven by the nation’s demographic challenges.

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Starting in 2028, JR East will introduce trains with many automated functions while retaining drivers in the cab. The initial phase will see these semi-autonomous trains operating on parts of one route. The company aims to pilot fully driverless trains on a short, out-of-service track the following year. By the mid-2030s, the goal is to have driverless Shinkansen trains running between Tokyo and Niigata on the Joetsu Shinkansen line.

The company’s statement highlights that this move is intended to adapt to societal shifts, including a declining population and changes in workforce management. It also emphasizes the need to innovate railway technology as a response to labor shortages and other challenges.

The Joetsu Shinkansen line, known for its speed, operates trains at up to 275 kilometers per hour (170 miles per hour), with other lines reaching speeds of 300 km/h or more.

The country, with the world's second-oldest population, faces significant worker shortages across various sectors, making technological advancements and automation crucial for maintaining efficiency and addressing workforce issues.