Photo/Illutration Trolley service on a Shinkansen train (Provided by JR-Central Passengers Co.)

Shinkansen bullet trains connecting Tokyo and Osaka will stop providing food trolley service for passengers at the end of October, operator Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) said, citing diminishing demand and difficulties securing staff.

Onboard snacks and beverages are currently offered on Nozomi and Hikari bullet trains that service the line.

Popular items such as drip coffee and cup ice cream will be available by adding more vending machines at platforms where the Nozomi Shinkansen stops, JR Tokai said.

The Kodama train on the same line ended onboard food sales in 2012.

“Sales have declined due to the growing number of convenience stores and other stores around stations,” a company representative explained. “Additionally, it has become more difficult to secure sales staff due to a worker shortage.”

But all is not lost as a new service will kick in exclusively for Green (first class) cars of the Nozomi and Hikari trains, starting from November.

Passengers will be able to order drinks and snacks by scanning a QR code on their seats with their smartphones. The food and beverages will be delivered to their seats.

West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) said it will continue onboard meal service on the Nozomi train of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, which extends from the Tokaido line, connecting Osaka and Fukuoka.

The Hokkaido, Kyushu, Tohoku Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines have discontinued food carts or limited their offerings to beverages and snacks since 2019.

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