JR East says its plans for driverless bullet trains stem in part from Japan's declining population and the resulting labour shortage. - AFP
TOKYO: Shinkansen bullet trains could be whizzing around Japan without drivers from the mid 2030s, one of its main rail operators said, motivated in part by the country's demographic crisis.
East Japan Railway (JR East) will first introduce trains where many of the driver's tasks are automated -- but they will remain in the cab -- on parts of one route from 2028, the firm said Tuesday (Sept 10).
