regardless of terrain
東海道新幹線で、６年ぶりとなる新型車両「Ｎ７００Ａ」が、８日から営業運転を開始し、東京駅と新大阪駅で出発式が行われました。この新型車両の特長はブレーキの利きを高め、安全性を向上させたことと、アップダウンがあっても、コンピューターにより一定のスピードを保つことができる装置を備えたことだそうです。
お昼のニュースで「アップダウンがあっても」をどう訳すのかなぁと思いましたが、Webニュースではregardless of terrain（地形）と、うまくまとめていました。3月には出張で、名古屋、京都にそれぞれまいりますが、時刻表には表示がないとのこと。当たるといいのですが...。（UG）
New bullet train features enhanced brakes
A Japanese railway has unveiled a new Shinkansen bullet train featuring an improved braking feature to enhance safety during earthquakes. The Central Japan Railway Company's first bullet train upgrade in 6 years is known as the N700A, an improved version of the N700.
A large number of railway fans viewed the departure of the first N700A from Tokyo Station on Friday morning. The new model's top speed remains at 270 kilometers per hour. But it boasts an improved braking system that can reduces its stopping distance from top speed by 300 to 400 meters. The current model requires 3 to 4 kilometers to stop. The railway has long focused on faster speeds to reduce the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka.
But the new model instead emphasizes safety in the event of earthquakes or other contingencies, when stopping time is crucial in avoiding serious accidents. The N700A's computer-controlled system also maintains a constant speed regardless of terrain. The new train will also be put into service between Osaka and Hakata, in western Japan, on March 16th.
