JR Central to Launch S0 Shinkansen in 2029, Targeting Automated Operation

Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Central) announced Friday (Oct. 12) that it plans to put its new S0 high-speed train into service in July 2029 on the Tokaido Shinkansen line linking Tokyo and Osaka.

According to JR Central, the new train is equipped with automated operation capabilities and improvements designed to enhance safety.

The announcement marks the next step in Japan's modernization of its high-speed rail fleet, moving toward the goal of partially automating operations on the main rail artery connecting the country's two largest cities.