Japan: JR East has revealed details of the previously announced plans. Since 2019, it has been testing technology on the E956 series pilot train.
The trial section will be a 60.8 km stretch between Nagaoka Station and Niigata depot of the high-speed Joetsu line. By 2028, it will be automated to the GoA2 level, and from 2029, the GoA4 is planned to be introduced. The completely unmanned operation will be available when the trains leave Niigata depot for Niigata station (5.1 km) and when shunting at the stations.
Plans for automated Shinkansen operation. Source: JR East
By the mid 2030-s, the operator aims to introduce the GoA3 on the whole 270 km Joetsu line Tokyo–Niigata. No driver will be onboard when shunting the train, which corresponds to the GoA4 level. In the future, the 46 km Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Joetsumyoko, and the 714 km Tohoku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori will also be automated.
