China is slowing down its bullet trains following complaints the showcase system is dangerously fast and too expensive. High-speed rail is a national prestige project aimed at showing off China's technological prowess and rising wealth while linking together its far-flung regions. That makes any decision to scale it back politically sensitive.
The fastest routes will be cut from 350 kph (220 mph) to 300 kph (190 mph) as of July 1, railway minister Sheng Guangzu told the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily. Sheng was appointed in February after his predecessor was fired amid a graft probe. "This will offer more safety," Sheng said. "At the same time, this will allow more variation in ticket prices based on market principles."
Comments
Comments are closed.