By AYATERU HOSOZAWA/ Staff Writer
April 18, 2024 at 17:58 JST
Two new compartments of this kind will be installed in each of the latest model trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. (Provided by Central Japan Railway Co.)
After more than 20 years, passengers on the Shinkansen linking Tokyo and Osaka will once again be able to stretch out and relax in private compartments starting in fiscal 2026.
Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) announced on April 17 that these single or two-seater train compartments will feature reclining seats with leg rests, private Wi-Fi and individually adjustable lighting and air conditioning.
The company touts these private spaces as ideal for online business meetings and private, comfortable travel.
Two such compartments will be installed in each of the newest N700S model bullet trains.
JR Tokai plans to utilize the space previously occupied by the onboard sales carts and smoking rooms to create the new sections without reducing the total number of seats. Onboard sales are now discontinued.
The fares and operating sections are yet to be determined.
The last Tokaido Shinkansen trains with private compartments were retired in 2003, leaving the Sanyo Shinkansen line as the sole bullet train service offering such amenities.
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