East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) is exploring the possibility of introducing a Shinkansen car exclusively for freight, a move that would mark a departure from the current practice of combining passenger and freight transport. The proposed car would be devoid of seats to maximize cargo space, potentially occupying just the first car of the train to avoid interference with passenger movement. Additional proposals include the enlargement of freight car doors to streamline the loading process, and the prospect of operating trains solely for cargo.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as passenger numbers dwindled, JR companies initiated the transport of freight via Shinkansen to leverage the trains' capacity for both passengers and cargo. Since 2021, JR East has fully operated this service on the Tohoku Shinkansen and other lines, facilitating the swift transport of perishable goods and other items. The company aims to formalize this high-speed freight service by fiscal 2025, currently undergoing trial operations.
The potential reduction in passenger seating to accommodate freight cars raises questions about the service's viability and scale, given the need to balance passenger and cargo demand. Furthermore, the logistics sector's growing labor shortage, exacerbated by recent regulatory tightening on truck drivers' working hours, underscores the increasing interest in Shinkansen freight transport as a viable alternative.
Source: Asia News Network