, or , is the technical research company under the Japan Railways group of companies.
Overview RTRI was established in its current form in 1986 just before Japanese National Railways (JNR) was privatised and split into separate JR group companies. It conducts research on everything related to trains, railways and their operation. It is funded by the government and private rail companies. It works both on developing new railway technology, such as magnetic levitation, and on improving the safety and economy of current technology.
Its research areas include earthquake detection and alarm systems, obstacle detection on level crossings, improving adhesion between train wheels and tracks, reducing energy usage, noise barriers and preventing vibrations.
RTRI is the main developer in the Japanese SCMaglev program.
Offices and test facilities
Main office 844 Shin-Kokusai Bldg. – 3-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo Research facilities Kunitachi Institute – 2-8-38 Hikari-cho, Kokubunji, Tokyo Wind Tunnel Technical Center – Maibara, Shiga Shiozawa Snow Testing Station – Minami-Uonuma, Niigata Hino Civil Engineering Testing Station – Hino, Tokyo Gatsugi Anti-Salt Testing Station – Sanpoku, Niigata
Gauge Change Train The RTRI is developing a variable gauge system, called the "Gauge Change Train", to allow Shinkansen trains to access lines of the original rail network.
Publications Japan Railway & Technical Review Quarterly Report of RTRI - Print: Online:
See also
British Rail Research Division German Centre for Rail Traffic Research Hydrail
References
External links