Central Japan Railway, or JR Central, said Thursday that four N700S series shinkansen trains that are set to be used also for the inspection of related equipment will be named Dr. S.
JR Central also unveiled the logo for the trains, which are equipped with inspection devices and set to succeed the remaining Doctor Yellow train.
The Dr. S trains will inspect tracks, overhead wires and other equipment while transporting passengers. The Doctor Yellow train is dedicated to inspection operations.
The four trains, each having 16 cars, are slated to be put into passenger service in stages from October and fully start inspection in January 2027 after test operations of devices, according to the company.
JR Central said that the letter S symbolizes the brand image of its Tokaido Shinkansen Line, used, for example, for the S Work cars and the S Wi-Fi for Biz service, as well as for N700S.
Bright yellow is being used for the Dr. S logo, which will be displayed in 20 places on each train.
Of the two Doctor Yellow inspection shinkansen trains, JR Central¡¯s T4 was retired in January last year. The remaining T5 train operating with West Japan Railway, or JR West, is expected to end its operations in 2027 or later. The trains have been popular, with some rail enthusiasts saying, ¡°You will become happy if you see Doctor Yellow.¡±
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