Market Commentary and Intraday News

Japan Unveils New Bullet Train

272 days ago

(RTTNews) - Japan on Tuesday unveiled a new Shinkansen bullet train with upgraded safety features that include improved braking system which can stop the train 300 to 800 meters less than four kilometers its predecessor required while traveling at a maximum speed of 270 kilometers per hour.

The Central Japan Railway Company unveiled the new N700A model to media persons at its plant in Hamamatsu city of Shizuoka prefecture in central Japan.

It took six years to develop the new model by modifying the existing M700 trains, and the company plans to start operation of the new N700A train from February, 2013, Japanese media reported.

The new train has enhanced safety systems for earthquakes, including sensors that can detect irregular wheel vibrations. It also has a system that allows the train to travel safely on curves and slopes at maximum speed. LED lights in the train's toilets will cut electricity consumption by 20 percent, the company claimed.

A company official claimed that the model's ability to stop safely and swiftly would keep it safe during natural disasters. The company hopes the new model will help it enter the overseas markets with anticipated orders from the United States.

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