In February 2010 China revealed the Chinese bullet train, this train is the world’s fastest train. The Chinese bullet train sure has earned it’s name, with an average speed of 215 miles an hour it’s as fast as a bullet. The bullet train connects Guangzhou, the southern coastal manufacturing center, to Wuhan, deep in the interior. This 664 mile run takes about 3 hours compared to 12 hours from the normal train.
The transport is possible thanks to a new high-speed line. China set to open 42 high-speed lines till 2012. This will be good for 5,000 miles of track for passenger trains at 215 miles an hour, 3,000 miles of track for passenger and fast freight trains traveling 155 miles an hour.
The United States choose not to be left behind and plan to build their first high-speed rail by 2014. This line will connect Tampa and Orlando.
China has known a phenomenal economic growth, and this railway system will only boost aforementioned growth. This new technology will boost, or even artificially create a new big export industry.
The high speed train also has some disadvantages, for instance the bullet train costs 72 dollar for a one way trip. This price is far from reasonable for labourers. Yet many workers do not complain about the price. They find it an understandable price based on the distance, although many workers take the slow train to save some money.
Secondly airlines are losing customers because the three-hour train to Wuhan is faster than the two hour flight included check-in times.
In my opinion the Chinese bullet train is a good invention, other countries will follow their idea and that will open chances for China. China is slowly becoming world’s biggest economy.
Niels Steyaert
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/business/global/13rail.html?pagewanted=2
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