Shanghai Maglev Train

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shanghai Maglev Train

Location	Shanghai
Type	maglev
Length	30.5 km
Inauguration	January 1 2004
Lines	1
Stations	2
Operator	Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.
Top speed	501 km/h

Maglev train stopping at terminus Longyang Road station

Inside the Shanghai Transrapid maglev

Inside the Shanghai Transrapid maglev VIP section

Shanghai Maglev Train (Shanghai Transrapid) (Chinese: 上海磁浮示范运营线; pinyin: Shànghǎi Cífú Shìfàn Yùnyíng Xiàn; literally "Shanghai Magnetic Levitation Demonstration Operation Line") is the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world. Construction began in March, 2001, and public service commenced on January 1, 2004.

1 Statistics
2 Future
3 Incidents and accidents
4 External links
5 See also

[edit] Statistics

The line is operated by Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd..

The train can reach 350 km/h (220 mph) in 2 minutes, with a maximum speed in normal operation of 431 km/h (268 mph). During a test run on 12 November 2003, the vehicle achieved a top speed of 501km/h, which currently stands as the speed record for Transrapid vehicles. The Shanghai Transrapid project took 10 billion yuan (1.2 billion US dollars) and 2.5 years to complete the 30.5 km (19 miles) track.

The train runs from Longyang Road station on the Shanghai subway line 2 to Pudong International Airport, and the total track length is about 30 kilometres, with an additional, separate track leading to a maintenance facility. The train takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the journey, and its top operational speed is 431 kilometers per hour.

As of June 2005, the one way ticket price is 50 China Yuan Renminbi (RMB) (about $6.33 US dollars) and 40 RMB (US$5.06) for airline passengers with proof of an airline ticket purchase. One-way VIP ticket costs 100 RMB (US $12.66). A round-trip ticket costs 80 RMB (US$10.13).

Operating times: 7:00 to 21:00
Highest Speed: 431 km/h (Normal Times) or 300 km/h (Extend Times)
Run time: 7 mins and 20 sec. in Normal Times, while 8 mins and 10 sec. in extend times
Normal Times is 8:30-17:00, Extend Time is 7:00 to 8:30 and 17:00-21:00
Interval: 15 mins.

[edit] Future

Main article: Shanghai-Hangzhou Maglev Train

Maglev ridership has been below expectations, due to limited operating hours, the short line, the high price of the tickets and the inconvenient location of the Longyang Road terminus. There is significant local criticism that the project was showy and wasteful, delivering no practical benefit to residents.

Various extension plans have been proposed. In January 2006, the Shanghai Urban Planning Administrative Bureau proposed an extension to Hongqiao Airport via Shanghai South Railway Station and the Expo 2010 site, with a continuation towards Hangzhou. If built, the line would allow transferring between the airports, which are located 55 km apart, in about 15 minutes. The plan for the extension to Hangzhou was approved by the central government in February 2006, with construction set to start by the end of 2006 for completion by 2010.

[edit] Incidents and accidents

On August 11, 2006, a Maglev train compartment caught fire at 2:40 p.m. after leaving Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station. There were no injuries or fatalities aboard. Investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing, while preliminary reports indicate that electrical problems are suspected.