All information about the operation of trains is centrally managed at the General Control Center. Appropriate determinations are made by operation commanders based upon accurate data to control train operations, and issue appropriate routine and emergency instructions from the center to ensure safety and reliability.

Facilities are in place to prevent anything from falling onto the tracks and prohibit people and vehicle from entering the area. This segregated area is continuously monitored. If an object is detected on the tracks or an individual trespasses, train operation is immediately halted to ensure safety. Also, rainfall, snowfall, wind speed, river levels and other environmental elements are watched with the help of sensors and other devices set up along railway tracks. Depending upon conditions, controls are placed on train speed or operations shutdown to protect passengers from natural disasters.

While the Shinkansen with the Crash Avoidance principle allows it to operate with high-frequency, the number of trains operating each day is determined in accordance with demand, making it possible for train service to meet the needs of users. Shinkansen operators obtain efficient use of their rolling stock and railway facilities, and management focuses its efforts on various business policies to maximize transport revenue.

Shinkansen maintenance is based on the concept of “preventive maintenance” where factors that may contribute to a failure or malfunction are eradicated before they are able to actualize. Rolling stock undergoes periodic inspections based upon the number of days in service and distance traveled. Status monitoring, which continually monitors and analyzes vehicle status, has been incorporated so as to identify potential problems in real time to prevent any failures or malfunctions. Manual inspections are performed on ground facilities, and a Multipurpose Inspection Train is run at commercial speed and performs rigorous checks to measure the extent of wear and tear of contact wires, electricity flowing through overhead contact lines, operational state of signals, track distortion, and other aspects of equipment and facilities. The periodic inspection cycles and items are reassessed based upon the accumulated data to achieve both safety and efficiency.

The time period from the last train until the first train the next morning is blocked off for repairs and other maintenance work performed on facilities. No commercial trains are running during this time period. The complete separation of the time brackets for commercial operation and maintenance work enhances the safety, reliability and efficiency of the work. Also, before the first train departs the following morning, Confirmation Cars are run across all track sections to verify that all work has been terminated and the tracks are safe.

Training improves knowledge and skills through classroom instruction taught by experts as well as hands-on practice using equipment simulating actual operations. In the field, a systematic training system is in place so that experienced veteran personnel are able to continuously hand down their skills and techniques as they offer direct guidance to less experienced personnel.

Career histories, service status, and detailed medical examinations are utilized to ascertain each employee's strong points, shortcomings as well as mental and physical condition so as to verify his or her aptitude for operations. In addition, knowledge and skill levels are managed based on qualifications set nationally, and by the operator, to maintain quality.

Training is conducted on actual rolling stock, and competitions are held for personnel to compete in their respective competencies. These activities are conducted to heighten employees' awareness of safety and enhance their motivation. In addition, group training is conducted in a communal environment to foster the discipline for following rules as well as the teamwork for cooperating with others. It is essential that personnel maintain a high awareness and motivation to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge over the long term as well as to appropriately perform their jobs.

Japan has been providing crew training and technical consulting to Taiwan High Speed Rail, which started operation in 2007. “Pointing and calling,” which is part of Japan's railway culture, as well as the many rules and aspects of Japan's safety culture have been handed down, and such knowledge and skills are contributing significantly to the high level of safety of Taiwan High Speed Rail.