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Rail passengers in China enjoy faster rides as speedup

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-18-2007 15:33

File photo taken on April 5, 2007 shows a CRH (China Railway High-Speed) bullet train in a test operation along the railway between Beijing and Shanghai. [Photo: Xinhua/Yuan Ruilun]

Starting Wednesday morning, trains across China have been running on a new schedule to accommodate the sixth rail speed boost. 140 pairs of high-speed trains are running along 18 major routes.

After four years of repeated tests and preparations, the new trains have been successfully launched. The latest boost will bring China's railways up to advanced international standards. Many passengers on Wednesday morning made extra-sure they had tickets for the new trains.

This passenger said she was excited to board the new train. Another said she didn't mind the ticket price, since efficiency is more important to her.

Tickets for the high-speed trains are priced higher than other trains, and this has raised some controversy. The Ministry of Railways has promised to look into the issue. Operating mainly between big cities and short distances, the new trains are expected to compete with short airline flights.

The bullet train is named Harmony, symbolizing it's a product of cooperation among many different departments and companies. The Ministry of Railways plans to launch more high speed trains in the future to further raise the handling capacities of passengers and freight.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan