Since the highly anticipated Free Gauge Train (FGT) has been delayed due to damage inflicted during endurance testing, discussions are underway over whether the Nagasaki Shinkansen Line project should drop the FGT (which is designed to run on both Shinkansen rails and the narrower rails used for regular trains), and to instead use the “relay method” of running both high-speed and regular trains. Nagasaki and Saga, two prefectures which will be hosting the new train line, disagree over how to proceed: Nagasaki, which is already promoting tourist attractions for 2022 (the year by which the line was originally predicted to open), favor the relay method – although some worry that passengers might be inconvenienced by having to change trains at Takeo Onsen Station. Saga would prefer to defer the opening of the line and wait for the FGT, since using the relay method would mean laying down Shinkansen tracks in the prefecture, for which the prefecture would have to cover around one third of the total cost; they argue that this would not be a cost-effective plan for Saga, which is already quite close to Hakata Station. Saga has announced, however, that they will consider accepting the relay method. The final decision will be made by March, after the panel holds discussions on how to avoid putting Saga Prefecture at an economic disadvantage. The new route is anticipated to shorten the journey between Hakata Station and Nagasaki Station, which is currently just under two hours via express train. Source: Asahi Shimbun, 2/24
