The N700S entered service on July 1 on the Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo Station with Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka. With a top speed of 360 km/h, the train set a new record during its 2019 test run and became one of the fastest trains in the world. However, its operating speed will be limited to 285 km/h. This is the first new bullet train model that Japan Railway Company (JR Central) has added to the Tokaido Shinkansen line, the world's first high-speed rail line, in 13 years.
In terms of appearance, the N700S is not too different from the older N700 or N700A models, except for the elegant yellow logo. However, the train has an angular bow, more curved outer edges and a more beautiful headlight design.
The N700S has an angular bow, more curved outer edges and a more eye-catching headlight design.
On the interior, the new seat design allows passengers to recline further, providing comfort for long journeys. Each seat has a personal charging port. The interior lighting is designed to create a pleasant glow in the cabin. The luggage rack above each seat will be illuminated at each stop to help passengers avoid forgetting their belongings.
Each seat has a personal charging port.
The overhead luggage racks will be lit at each stop to help passengers avoid forgetting their belongings.
Green Cars first class cabin with each seat 15% wider than regular cabin
The new train model runs smoother and quieter thanks to an automatic shock absorber system that absorbs train movements. In addition to focusing on comfort, design engineers also prioritized safety. The N700S is equipped with an automatic braking and control system that allows the train to stop faster in an emergency.
The train is also equipped with the world’s first lithium-ion battery-powered autonomous propulsion system, which allows the N700S to travel short distances if power is lost and move to safety at low speed if stuck in a high-risk area such as a bridge or tunnel during an earthquake. The team also installed more cameras inside the train, increasing the number from two to six per car.
The improved components take up less space under the train deck than the previous model, allowing for flexible configurations from four to 16 cars. This also reduces energy consumption while improving train operating efficiency.
The N700S has a maximum speed of 285km/h, the same as previous models in the same series, but noise, vibration and air resistance are significantly reduced.
Many people attended the inaugural trip. Rail enthusiasts gathered at a platform at Tokyo Station as soon as the ticket gates opened at 5:30 a.m. They took photos of the new N700S, the first major upgrade in 13 years and the sixth generation of Shinkansen trains to be used on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
Many people attended the departure ceremony of Shinkansen train N700S.
Central Japan Railway Company President Kaneko Shin delivered a speech at the departure ceremony before the train departed for Fukuoka. According to Kaneko, the N700S has a maximum speed of 285km/h, the same as previous models in the series, but noise, vibration and air resistance have been significantly reduced.
Central Japan Railway Company plans to operate four of these new trains initially and will increase the number of these trains to 40 within the next three years.
