Japan to Introduce Driverless Bullet Trains by Mid-2030s

JR East aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability with phased automation starting in 2028.

JR East will begin testing second-degree automated Shinkansen trains on the Joetsu line in 2028, with a driver present for emergencies.
By 2029, the company plans to operate driverless trains on out-of-service tracks, progressing towards fully autonomous operations.
The initiative is driven by Japan's declining population and labor shortages, aiming to innovate railway technology and improve operational efficiency.
The Joetsu line Shinkansen trains currently reach speeds of up to 275 km/h, with other lines capable of 300 km/h or more.
JR East's long-term goal is to implement fourth-degree automation, where no human operators are needed, by the mid-2030s.