international passenger news

[blue streak 1]

A surprize China's population likes to tour country on HSR

http://www.ecns.cn/2015/07-08/172246.shtml

 

 

[blue streak 1]

HSR line Hong Kong - mainland overbudget and delayed.  Guess not all China projects get fast tracked/

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1834045/high-speed-rail-link-mainland-china-too-idealistic-start-hong

 

 

[schlimm]

Why is that surprising?   We lag behind many countries on HSR.

[blue streak 1]

World HSR summary by railway gazette.  Of course China leads. But interesting who USA lags behind. 

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-speed-survey-2015-china-remains-the-pacesetter.html

 

 

[schlimm]

505 miles in rugged terrain, built in 5 years.  The trains take under 4 hours.  I believe the terrain north of Fuzhou is more rugged than the New England routes would be, for the most part.  The highest mountain is over 7,000 feet high.  Fujian province is said to be "Eight parts mountain, one part water, and one part farmland." 

[Wizlish]

blue streak 1

Article notes that 86% of route is in tunnels or on bridges.

Not surprising to me.  What might be highly interesting: look at the topo and compare it with either the 'revised' White Train route or the parts of the 'second spine' route in New England.  Then see if the '86%' of tunnels and bridges have length and heights respectively that are comparable to what the American routes would require...

[schlimm]

blue streak 1

Maybe this is in anticipation of thawed cuba - US relations ?

Probably so.  The embassies are scheduled to open soon.

[blue streak 1]

What is probably to become a regular happening China just opened another ( 300 KPH ) HSR rail line.  Article notes that 86% of route is in tunnels or on bridges. 

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/asia/china-opens-hefei-fuzhou-high-speed-line.html?channel=540

 

[blue streak 1]

Even Cuba is getting into the act of improviing RRs.  They are closing Havana station for reconstruction.  Article also lists several route rojects to decrease travel time.  Maybe this is in anticipation of thawed cuba - US relations ?

http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/central-south-america/cuba-begins-havana-station-reconstruction.html?channel=536

 

[blue streak 1]

UK is putting on hold further expansion of electrification due to cost over runs and lack of supplies.  Also note that article states system is at capacity much of day.  That may be the reason that supplies are in short supply ?

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news.html