Japan's New Bullet Train That Can Even Run During An Earthquake Is Operational Now
Japan's has debuted its latest bullet train model offering improved performance and upgraded cabin features. But the biggest enhancement is the fact that it's also able to transport passengers to safety in the event of an earthquake.
Japan has debuted its latest bullet train model offering improved performance and upgraded cabin features. But the biggest enhancement is the fact that it's also able to transport passengers to safety in the event of an earthquake.
The N700S bullet train entered service on July 1, departing Tokyo for Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line and traveling on to Hakata in southwestern Japan.
Kyodo News
It can run up to 360 kilometers per hour, a new record set during a test run in 2019, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. The operating speed, however, will be capped at 285 kilometers per hour.
The new upgrade keeps in mind the Japan's history with earthquakes. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the most active earthquake belt in the world.
Kyodo News
Japan accounts for around 20 per cent of earthquakes around the world with of a magnitude 6.0 or more.
Around 1,500 earthquakes strike the island nation every year and minor tremors occur nearly every day.
Keeping that in consideration, the train has an upgraded automatic control and braking system that allows it to halt faster in case of an emergency.
It's also fitted with lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system - the first of its kind in the world. This system allows the train to run for a short distance on its own during a power outage and will make it possible for it to move to a safer location at low speed if stranded in a high-risk area - on a bridge or in a tunnel, for example -during an earthquake.
Kyodo News
In light of a number of deaths and injuries on its bullet train system in recent years, JR Central has also installed more security cameras on N700S trains than on previous models.
Passengers will find that every seat has improved reclining functions and its own electrical outlet. The overhead luggage space lights up as the train nears each station to remind passengers not to forget their belongings.
The model change comes at a time when the number of passengers remains low amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
