China Debuts World’s First Driverless Bullet Train, Reaching Cities In 1/3 Time
Image via GuoZhongHua / Shutterstock.com
China has unveiled the “world’s fastest bullet train,” connecting the cities of Beijing and Zhangjiakou is the shortest amount of time.
The driverless bullet train, built ahead of the 2020 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic game, is able to reach a top speed of 217mph. It can go from Beijing to Zhangjiakou—where most of the skiing events will take place—in less than an hour.
Previously, the journey took three hours to commute, and even this was a signification reduction from the eight-hour travel time for the same route in 1909.
The autonomous trains will start and stop at the stations according to a timetable. An attendant will also always be onboard to monitor any issues that might arise during the commute.
The whole project took four years to complete, and according to The Guardian, the trains feature extra storage space for athletes to keep their sports equipment. Its dining car can also double up as a mobile media center for journalists to cover the events.
The trains are also “smart” as they offer 5G internet, intelligent lighting and touch-screen control panels, as well as wireless charging docks.
The line, which is called the Jingzhang intercity railway, will span 10 stations including Badaling Changcheng, which provides access to the Great Wall of China.
The line also connects to Zhangjiakou in Hebei and Yanqing in Northwestern Beijing, where major events of the Games will be held.
Driverless ✔️
— QuickTake by Bloomberg (@QuickTake) January 10, 2020
Facial recognition ✔️
5G ✔️
Here’s a look at China’s new high-speed train which connects Beijing and #Beijing2022 co-host city Zhangjiakou #京张高铁 pic.twitter.com/E0pI1UIaxp
China's Winter Olympic high-speed railway opens https://t.co/pZpNn34g5C
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) December 30, 2019
It will be the world's first high-speed railway on which self-driving trains reach speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. pic.twitter.com/94jvvWdKSP
[via The Guardian, opening image via GuoZhongHua / Shutterstock.com]
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