Japan may have popularized the bullet train concept but you can now find trains that go even faster in other countries across the globe. The country, known for its exceptional train service, hasn’t been sitting on its laurels, though. It has developed the fastest bullet train which has now entered testing. The Shinkansen ALFA-X will be capable of reach speeds of 249 miles per hour.
It’s going to be a while before you and I can catch a ride on the ALFA-X, though. Japan doesn’t expect the train to enter operation before 2030. While it will be able to achieve 249 miles per hour, it will actually carry passengers at a top speed of 224 miles per hour. That’s not as fast as Shanghai’s maglev train but it’s no slouch either.
When it does enter service in a decade’s time, it will most likely be the world’s fastest bullet train. Before it enters service, the train will first undergo three years of testing. The tests will be conducted after midnight bi-weekly on tracks that run between the cities of Aomori and Sendai. The train itself has 10 cars with an aerodynamic nose that’s 72 feet long.
It will be tested with a 52 foot long nose as well. The train will use both magnetic plates underneath and air brakes on the roof to slow down from its incredible speed.
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