East Japan Railway's Driverless Train Plans
East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) has announced ambitious plans to introduce driverless operation technologies on the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. This initiative will begin with a 61-kilometer stretch between Nagaoka Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center in Niigata Prefecture. The company aims to achieve driverless operation on the entire line between Tokyo and Niigata by the mid-2030s.
The initial phase of the project will involve both commercial trains and out-of-service detour trains being operated using the automatic train operation (ATO) system. This system is already used on some subway systems and allows for precise control of train speed and stopping positions.
JR East also plans to operate detour bullet trains without an onboard driver on a 5-kilometer section between Niigata Station and the rolling stock center in fiscal 2029. These trains will be equipped with a system that automatically stops them if abnormal vibrations are detected during operation.
The company's long-term vision includes introducing driverless operations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line and the Tohoku Shinkansen Line. This ambitious project demonstrates JR East's commitment to innovation and efficiency in the railway industry.
It is important to note that this information is based on announcements made by JR East in September 2023. As of November 2023, the project is still in its planning stages and the timeline for implementation may change.