TOKYO – Japan is set to debut driverless Shinkansen bullet trains by the mid-2030s, according to East Japan Railway (JR East), a move driven partly by the country’s demographic challenges and the need for technological advancement.
Starting in 2028, JR East will implement semi-autonomous trains where many tasks are automated, but drivers will still be present in the cab. A trial of fully driverless trains is planned for 2029 on a short, out-of-service track. If successful, these trains could operate between Tokyo and Niigata on the Joetsu Shinkansen line by the mid-2030s.
The initiative aims to address labor shortages and adapt to a changing social environment, including Japan’s declining and aging population. JR East emphasized that the project is part of a broader push to innovate railway technology and create more efficient and sustainable systems.
The Joetsu Shinkansen line, known for its high speeds, operates at up to 275 km/h, while other lines can reach speeds of 300 km/h or more. With Japan facing significant worker shortages across various sectors due to its rapidly aging population, the shift to driverless trains is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the efficiency and safety of its world-renowned rail network.