Shanghai Maglev Train

Infobox Public transit
name=Shanghai Maglev Train


imagesize=250px
locale=Shanghai
transit_type=MagLev
system_length=convert|30.5|km|abbr=on
began_operation=January 1, 2004
lines=1
stations=2
ridership=
operator=Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.|

Shanghai Maglev Train (Shanghai Transrapid) (zh-cpl|c=上海磁浮示范运营线|p=Shànghǎi Cífú Shìfàn Yùnyíng Xiàn|l=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.

Statistics

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

The train can reach convert|350|km/h|abbr=on in 2 minutes, with a maximum speed in normal operation of convert|431|km/h|abbr=on. During a test run on 12 November, 2006, the vehicle achieved a top speed of convert|501|km/h|abbr=on. The Shanghai Transrapid project took 10 billion yuan (1.33 billion US dollars) and 2.5 years to complete the convert|30.5|km|abbr=on track.

The train runs from Longyang Road station in Pudong on the Shanghai subway line 2 to Pudong International Airport with an additional, separate track leading to a maintenance facility. The train takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the journey.

As of|2008|5, the one way ticket price is ¥50 (about US$7.00 in 2008) and ¥40 ($5.60) for airline passengers with proof of an airline ticket purchase receipt. A round-trip ticket costs ¥80 ($11.20). VIP tickets cost double.

*Operating times: 6:45 to 21:30
*Highest Speed: convert|431|km/h|abbr=on (Normal Times) or convert|300|km/h|abbr=on (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 6:45 to 8:30 and 17:00-21:30
*Interval: 15 mins.
*Ridership: 20% capacity. [ Wu Zhong, " China's dented image projects" in "Asia Times", June 13th 2007, [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/IF13Cb02.html] ]

Future

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 in Pudong. Aside from the thrill of riding the Maglev it is easier and faster to simply take a taxi from the Pudong International Airport to Puxi (west of the river) Shanghai.

Various extension plans have been proposed. In January 2006, the Shanghai Urban Planning Administrative Bureau proposed an extension to Shanghai Hongqiao International 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 convert|55|km|abbr=on apart, in about 15 minutes. The plan for the extension to Hangzhou was approved by the central government in February 2006, with plans for completion by 2010, but work was suspended in 2008 due to public protests over radiation fears. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/26/asia/AS-GEN-China-Maglev-Train.php Report: China suspends work on magnetic levitation train over radiation fears - International Herald Tribune ] ]

Incidents and accidents

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

See also

* Magnetic levitation
* Maglev train
* Transrapid
* Shanghai-Hangzhou Maglev Train

References

External links

* [http://www.smtdc.com/en/ Official site of Shanghai Maglev Train]