JR East to launch self-driving bullet trains in 2028

JR East plans to launch self-driving bullet trains, with the new model set to operate on a small section of the Joetsu Line in 2028.

Plans to automate the entire Joetsu Line by the mid-2030s

Not all of JR East’s trains will be automated by then. This launch is just the first step in the company’s push to automate more train lines. The initial route will be a 55.7-kilometer section of the Joetsu Shinkansen, running between Niigata and Nagaoka stations, with the goal of automating the entire Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s. Although the trains will be automated, there will still be drivers on board to prevent emergencies and ensure passenger safety.

The plan to implement driverless trains is one way to address Japan’s train driver shortage. At a news conference announcing the news, the company’s president, Yoichi Kise, said another reason to push for driverless trains is to allow “staff to do a wider range of jobs.”

Niigata Station photo by Takeshi images / Shutterstock.com

What is JR East?

Japan’s efficient railway system is not run by just one company. There are several railway operators across the country, the largest of which is JR East.

JR East serves millions of passengers every day across eastern Japan. The company operates an extensive rail network, including Tokyo’s iconic Yamanote Line and several Shinkansen routes, such as the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Joetsu bullet trains.

Since its founding in 1987, JR East has become synonymous with rail excellence in Japan, renowned for its cutting-edge technology, punctuality and world-class service. The upcoming self-driving bullet train is the latest example of JR East’s commitment to innovation in public transportation.

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