Tourism The new Tohoku Shinkansen

[thomas]

JR East is currently conducting tests on its latest test vehicle, the ALFA-X, slated to be operational by 2031.

With its 16-metre nose, the ALFA-X is a sexy beast!

JR East aim to realize a commercial operation with a maximum speed of 360km/h by developing new rolling stock as well as supporting infrastructure. With the extension of the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen scheduled to open in the spring of 2031, the company is looking to compete with the airlines, which see around 10 million passengers per year. See the latest developments of the ALFA-X, as well as environmental measures to reduce noise pollution along the line.

The Tohoku Shinkansen: Full Speed Ahead - Japan Railway Journal | NHK WORLD-JAPAN

JR East is working to reduce travel times by increasing the speed of the Tohoku Shinkansen to attract tourists and revitalize the region. The company is currently conducting tests using its test vehicle, the ALFA-X. They aim to realize a commercial operation with a maximum speed of 360km/h by...

www3.nhk.or.jp

JR East to speed up Tohoku Shinkansen

JAPAN: East Japan Railway is to raise the line speed limits on key sections of the Tohoku Shinkansen in order to make its train services between Tokyo and northeast Honshu more competitive with airlines. JAPAN: East Japan Railway is to raise the line speed limits on key sections of the Tohoku...

www.railwaygazette.com

 

[mdchachi]

I actually like to ride the shinkansen. So while newest and sexiest is appealing, a significantly reduced time is not so appealing. I want time to enjoy my bento, can coffee and the view.

 

[Uchiha]

That is a beautiful train!

 

[nice gaijin]

You must love the little birds to give them THIS to perch on!

 

[Lothor]

Unfortunately, these well-intentioned improvements are going to have little effect on competing with airlines because of the proliferation of low-cost airlines.

 

[Petaris]

Unfortunately, these well-intentioned improvements are going to have little effect on competing with airlines because of the proliferation of low-cost airlines.

If they can start reducing the price of the tickets for the shinkansen it would be great. I would rather take the train then deal with airport security.

 

[Lothor]

If they can start reducing the price of the tickets for the shinkansen it would be great. I would rather take the train then deal with airport security.

I think they need some help from the government on this. I'd like to see higher taxes on air fares for routes where a fast land-based alternative exists, and the money used to subsidise the Shinkansen and unprofitable rural lines. Almost nobody should be flying between Osaka and Haneda!

 

[Petaris]

I think they need some help from the government on this. I'd like to see higher taxes on air fares for routes where a fast land-based alternative exists, and the money used to subsidise the Shinkansen and unprofitable rural lines. Almost nobody should be flying between Osaka and Haneda!

Agreed, not to mention it will be a far more comfortable trip on the shinkansen then on the flight. They don't pack you in like sardines on the train like they do on the plane. There is also a much more pleasant view during the trip and you can bring your own food and drinks!