| Shanghai Maglev Train
 On
the last day of 2002, China became the first country in the world to
have a commercial maglev (electromagnetic levitation train) line in
operation when the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and visiting German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder cut the ribbon to start the trial run of
Shanghai's glistening new maglev train. The 30-kilometer (18-mile)
Transrapid Maglev Line links Longyang Road Station east of Huangpu River
with Shanghai Pudong International Airport in just eight minutes.
Shanghai's adoption of maglev is the first commercial application of the
German technology, which uses electromagnetic levitation to whisk a train
at speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph). The high speeds are possible
because there is no friction. Rather than conventional steel wheels on
rails, the maglev train glides just above the guide rails.
The maglev line took the German and Chinese
scientists and engineers two and a half years to complete at a cost of
about 10 billion yuan or $1.2 billion US. The Transrapid consortium, which
includes the German government as well as Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, is
keen to win further projects in China for its maglev technology.
Current fare costs 50 Yuan ($6 US) one way and 80
Yuan roundtrip ($10 US). If you are an air traveller with a paper ticket
you will be offered 20% discount on the spot. Electronic air ticket
holders are out of luck. |
