TOKYO: Central Japan Railway Co. plans to introduce an automated operation system for its Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services around 2028, Shin Kaneko, president of the company better known as JR Tokai, has said.

A driver will be on board for operations such as starting the train, according to Kaneko, who was speaking at a press 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.

A train using the system will start moving when the driver presses the button. While operations such as emergency stop will be conducted by the driver, the train will adjust its 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. separately said 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.

JIJI Press