East Japan Railway Co. has announced its intentions to incorporate driverless technology into its operations by developing automatic transportation systems for the E7 Series bullet trains on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. By implementing this system, the company plans to have trains operate automatically from start to stop along a designated section of the line in fiscal 2028, with hopes to expand this driverless operation to cover the entire route between Tokyo and Niigata by the mid-2030s.
The company's strategy involves utilizing an automatic train operation (ATO) system, similar to those found in certain subway systems, to control both commercial trains and out-of-service detour trains. Additionally, they are planning to run detour bullet trains without onboard drivers on a 5-kilometer segment between Niigata Station and the rolling stock center in fiscal 2029. To enhance safety measures, the trains will be equipped with a detection system to automatically halt the train in case abnormal vibrations are detected during operation.
Looking ahead, East Japan Railway Co. has ambitions to extend driverless operations beyond the Joetsu Shinkansen Line to include the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line and the Tohoku Shinkansen Line. Furthermore, Central Japan Railway Co. is also pursuing the introduction of automatic operations on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line around 2028, indicating a trend towards increased automation in the rail transport sector.