Commercial operation of the N700S, the latest series of train cars on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, began Wednesday, with the first train departing from Tokyo Station at 6 a.m.
"It offers the best performance in all regards, including safety and comfort," said Central Japan Railway Co. President Shin Kaneko at the departure ceremony held on a station platform.
The N700S is the first full remodel in 13 years, following the previous N700A. Its top speed of 285 kph is the same as its predecessor, but the quality of its ride has been greatly improved with the addition of a system that reduces horizontal shaking, and reclining seats that prevent fatigue even while sitting for long periods.
The S in the series name means "supreme," and the "N700Supreme" logo appears in gold lettering on odd-numbered cars of the 16-car trains.
Four trains made their debut on Wednesday. To avoid crowding, JR Central did not announce beforehand the times that the N700S would run. The number of N700S series trains will be gradually increased to 40 by fiscal 2022.
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