TIL Desk/World/Washington/ Japan has started testing its fastest-ever bullet train — capable of reaching 400 kilometers per hour (249 mph) — as it continues to develop the revolutionary mode of travel. Called the Alfa-X, the train is scheduled to go into service in 2030, it will run at speeds of up to 360 kph (224 mph), comfortably making it the world’s fastest bullet train.
It will also outpace China’s Fuxing train, which runs at 10 kph slower despite being designed with the same top speed capabilities as the ALFA-X. The model’s futuristic design features 10 cars and a long pointed nose. It’ll be tested on the line between the cities of Sendai and Aomori, which are about 280 kilometers apart as the crow flies.
Tests will take place after midnight, when the line is quiet, and will occur twice a week. The ALFA-X marks a new stage of growth for the Shinkansen, pushing the world-renowned high-speed rail service even faster towards the future. Its testing debut comes as Japan’s new high-speed Shinkansen N700S continues tests that began just over a year ago.
