Gauge Change Train

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The Gauge Change Train (GCT) (Japanese: フリーゲージトレイン; lit. 'Free Gauge Train') was a Japanese research and development project launched in 1994 to create a high-speed train equipped with variable-gauge axles, enabling through operation between the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge Shinkansen network and the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow-gauge conventional rail network. Three prototype electric multiple unit (EMU) trains—two three-car sets and one four-car set—were constructed for testing. The first operated from 1998 to 2006, the second from 2006 to 2014, and a third-generation train began testing in 2014; however, testing was later suspended due to technical issues with the bogies. The GCT was originally planned for use on the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen upon its opening in 2022 to provide through service between Hakata and Takeo-Onsen, bridging a gap in the line until it could be extended. However, in June 2017 JR Kyushu announced that it had abandoned plans to deploy the technology. Following this decision, JR West announced in August 2018 that it had also abandoned its proposed GCT deployment between Tsuruga and Osaka. As of the late 2010s, there are no active development programs or proposals for the use of the Gauge Change Train.