Safety Measures for Train Operation and Maintenance Work
Measures to Prevent Train Collisions
ATS and ATC
To prevent collisions between trains, JR East has installed ATS (Automatic Train Stop) and ATC (Automatic Train Control) systems for its conventional lines and ATC systems for Shinkansen throughout its railway network.
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Installation Status as of the End of Fiscal 2024
| ATC | Now equipped on all Shinkansen, the Yamanote Line, the Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line, and the Joban Local Line |
|---|---|
| ATACS | Now equipped on the Senseki Line (Aobadori–Higashi Shiogama) and the Saikyo Line (Ikebukuro–Omiya) |
| ATS-P | Completed installation in 28 major stations and railway sections for 2,484.7 km |
| ATS-Ps | Completed installation in 71 major stations and railway sections for 210.8 km |
System notifying drivers of driving restrictions
If observed values exceed specified limits at times of heavy rain or strong winds, train speeds are restricted to ensure safety. In the past, the dispatcher transmitted the restrictions to the driver by wireless, but in September 2019, we introduced an automated notification system to help prevent human error.
Improving the Safety of Maintenance Work
During track maintenance work, we ensure the safety of workers by using a track closure procedure, which prevents trains from entering the area while the work is taking place. In December 2020, we introduced a system that closes the tracks in advance at predetermined sections and time periods, allowing staff performing work to use the system to perform track entry and exit procedures.
Mechanization and Automation of Track Maintenance Work
To address the labor shortage resulting from the declining working-age population, we are promoting the mechanization of track maintenance work. One of the key tasks in track maintenance is rail replacement work. In this area, we have introduced two types of rail replacement machines: a self-propelled type and a towed type.
Going forward, by standardizing this mechanized work process, we aim to achieve labor savings and higher productivity, and establish a sustainable track maintenance system.
