Trains on Japan’s new high-speed maglev line to run between Tokyo and Nagoya will offer only non-reclining seats to maximise space for passengers’ legs and luggage, Central Japan Railway officials said recently.
The train operator has decided that seat backs fixed at 15 degrees will not compromise passenger comfort as the 40-minute travel time on the under-construction Linear Chuo Shinkansen line – linking Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station in central Japan – is less than half what it takes existing bullet trains to make the journey.
Using superconducting magnetic levitation technology, the new trains will travel at speeds up to 500kmh.
Non-reclining seats have been installed on the M10, a new test car for the maglev train, the exterior of which was unveiled to the media in July.
The commercial maglev train will be modelled after this prototype, with specifications to be finalised after further refinements.
All previous prototypes had reclining seats.
Non-reclining seats are simpler to build and thinner, providing more room for passengers to keep suitcases and other large baggage at their feet, the officials said.
The seat cushion will be softer than those on the existing Tokaido Shinkansen trains.
JapanTransportationPublic transport
AloJapan.com