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SCMP Reporter

Changes in air pressure make some passengers dizzy
The 'world's fastest bullet train' - the high-speed Beijing-Tianjin rail service - will be running by August,  just in time for the Olympics, the Ministry of Railways said yesterday.
'Some people raised concerns that we might not have delivered the gift within a couple of years. Now the enormous job is almost finished, and President Hu Jintao test-rode it yesterday and praised the experience. We are very proud,' said Wang Yongping, director of the ministry's publicity department.
The 120km service will cut travel time between the two Olympic cities by 75 per cent to less than half an hour thanks to a top speed of 350km/h, faster than France's TGV, the current record holder. The train is the latest version of a domestically manufactured model based on German technology.
Yesterday, the  train rolled out from under the enormous dome of the still-incomplete Beijing South Station, accelerating  like a small jet at takeoff,  but with much less noise. Changes in air pressure made some passengers' ears pop and made them slightly dizzy to begin with.
Passengers were able to look into the train driver's compartment through soundproof and bulletproof glass, and along the tracks ahead.
A mini restaurant occupies the centre of the train, equipped with an open kitchen, refrigerator, oven, microwave oven and a bar, staffed yesterday by 20-year-old Shi Yawen of Tianjin, who welcomed people aboard in English.
'We have received intense training to ensure every passenger a pleasant journey,' she said. Apart from counterterrorism classes, the staff had to learn how to smile and stand properly. 'I have learned karate, and the ability to detect a suspicious person or luggage is a must for everyone. We are also responsible for evacuating passengers in case of a fire or other emergency.'
The train is the third incarnation of the China Rail High-Speed programme, which abandoned Japanese technology in favour of Siemens-designed technology.
Chief engineer Sun Bangcheng said the German company was chosen as a partner to meet higher safety, reliability and comfort standards. 'The Japanese technology is more economical and energy-efficient, while the German type is bulkier and more than 10 times higher in price. But we wanted our passengers to sit in a sturdy, secure Mercedes rather than a cheap, light Honda.'
He said train designers examined every detail affecting comfort, from soft lighting, vacuum toilets, and facilities for children and the disabled to different brands of beer in the bar.
Mr Sun  acknowledged that most of the core technology was bought from Siemens at a very high price, which he did not reveal. 'But we have totally digested the technology and even produced a few new patents that Siemens wants to buy from us,' he said.
Zheng Yongjian , chief architect of Beijing South Station, said the elliptical building was inspired by the Temple of Heaven, representing harmony in traditional Chinese culture.  'But we have also applied the most advanced energy-saving technology, including more than 2,000 square metres of solar panels over the roof, which will save us nearly 6 million yuan (HK$6.83 million) a year in electricity bills.'
On track
The rail line in numbers
Route length: 120km
Duration of trip: 30 minutes
Stations: 4
Journeys per day: 180
Maximum design speed: 350km/h
Cost: 13.3b yuan
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS



'World's fastest bullet train' running by August: officials