JR Tokai eyeing automated shinkansen operations around 2028

Japan Times
Mar 25, 2023 (Japan)

Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Tokai, plans to introduce an automated operation system for its Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services around 2028, said President Shin Kaneko.

A driver will be on board for operations such as starting the train, according to Kaneko, who was speaking at a news conference Friday to announce the plan. The system will be adopted for the newest N700S series shinkansen model, with Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama trains subject to automated operations.

Trains using the system will start moving when the driver presses the button. While operations such as emergency stops will be conducted by the driver, the trains will adjust their speed and stop at stations automatically.

JR Tokai has been conducting test runs of Tokaido Shinkansen trains equipped with the automated operation system since November 2021.

Tokyo Metro Co. said separately Friday that it will start tests of an automated train operation system on its Marunouchi Line in fiscal 2025. A conductor will be on board the first car in place of the driver, according to the subway operator.

Source
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/25/business/jr-tokai-automated-operations-shinkansen/