Need for Speed?

Background of Chinese High-Speed Train System

China has developed the fastest running rail system in the world to transport people around the extensive territory of their country. The high-speed train system refers to China's trains that average a speed of 200km/h (124 mph) or higher. It consists of thousands of miles in railway that carries millions of Chinese citizens to their destinations, in faster than ever times. 

I never imagined train systems reaching speeds this high! It could take me an hour or less to arrive in New York City from my home in Maryland if this system were placed in the United States. I wonder if other countries will adopt this transportation system? In a world where people are more and more impatient to get to places faster, and time is money, this emerging technology sounds promising; but does this feat also carry some risks and complications?

Issues With High-Speed Trains

The rail system in China reaches maximum speeds of 380km/h (240 mph), but there has been concern regarding the safety of this extreme speed. Also, China has been building tracks and faster trains at an alarming rate. Their new railway system has rapidly grown without signs of slowing down. This sounds positive, but there has been a back and forth debate between customers and the Ministry of Railways on how fast the trains should run. 

Higher speeds involve wear and tear on the track and machinery causing deficiencies, while also raising energy usage. Furthermore, faster trains are more expensive. The Ministry of Railways has lowered the speed in some areas so it could attract more riders, because the faster the train travels, the higher the price for tickets. Many of these train lines have also lowered prices in order to lure customers. Railway profits were decreasing because customers were opting to return to the more traditional mode of high-speed travel, the airplane. Though it is the case, I never thought railways would be snatching airline revenues for long distance travels. 

Unlike plane travel, staring out the window in the high-speed train must be marvelous, getting to see how fast you are moving in comparison to inert objects. I can picture homes and trees flashing by instantly. However, it would be a little frightening moving this fast on a rail-system especially around turns. It seems inevitable that the rail-system will experience mechanical problems with trains going around 200 mph. 

Safety Matters

If defects or accidents occur during one of these train rides, you can probably imagine the outcome. These trains do not even contain safety belts, so that's one issue right there. The country of China has witnessed some minor defects, but none like the breath-taking collision on July 23, 2011 in the Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. Several carriages derailed killing 40 passengers, hospitalizing 192, and seriously injuring 12. This accident killed Chinese citizens as well as foreigners. 

Here is an exceptional clip, capturing the collision on July 23, 2011

The accident at Wenzhou caused a public uproar and made many question the safety of China's high-speed rail system. This was undoubtedly a sad and embarrassing day for the nation of China. One of their most prized accomplishments failed, making national news, and damaging the reputation of their newly designed transportation system. As a result, there was a severe drop in confidence and sales for the rail system, causing the Ministry of Railways to further drop prices and speed for the ride.

Who to Blame?

Some say the accident was just coincidental and that something like this rarely ever happens. Believers in the high-speed rail system say it is a fairly new system that was likely to experience some sort of accident from which the Chinese technologists could learn. However, I have a different view.

Everyone knows China is drastically amplifying their economic growth. They are just building and building, sometimes for no apparent reason. For example, the Chinese have built ghost towns because no one will buy their vast amount of apartment buildings. Don't get me wrong, the creation of infrastructures is a good thing, but I think China should slow down. I think the lack of time and strategy in their building process had an effect on this collision and other unsuccessful constructions throughout China. The Chinese should have tested their railway tracks more sufficiently and repeatedly, rather than just quickly implementing new technology. The high-speed rail system is a new emerging system in China helping many people travel quicker, but there is no need to rush it.

While there is a demand to get to places faster, there is no need to speed through the development and implementation of such a high-speed mode of transportation. Taking safety precautions and understanding repercussions are extremely important before architecting and applying things to the world. This high-speed rail system will one day be seen in many other countries, but should not be employed until all dangers are completely minimized.

By: Eric Hickman