Shanghai’s 430kph Train Benefits Wider Economy
The Shanghai Maglev Train, operating at a top commercial speed of 430 kilometers per hour, holds the title of the world’s fastest train in regular service. Launched in 2004, this marvel of transportation technology connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the outskirts of central Pudong, providing passengers a quick transition to the Shanghai Metro for further travel into the city center.
This high-speed train, the result of a US$1.2 billion investment, was constructed through a collaborative effort involving Siemens and ThyssenKrupp of Germany. The design and development were focused on their Transrapid maglev monorail system.
Local Chinese companies were responsible for building the maglev track or guideway. Due to the alluvial soil conditions in Pudong, the original track design had to be revised from a supporting column every 50 meters to one every 25 meters. Thousands of concrete piles were driven to depths of up to 70 meters to ensure the stability needed for these support columns. Additionally, a mile-long climate-controlled facility was created alongside the route to manufacture the guideways. Electrification was developed by the US-based engineering firm, Vahle.
The route from Longyang Road station in Pudong to Pudong International Airport covers 30 kilometers and can be completed in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds at full speed. Although the journey may take around 50 seconds longer during early morning and late afternoon schedules, the train impressively accelerates to 350 kilometers per hour within two minutes, reaching its maximum operational speed of 430 kilometers per hour.
The Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Company oversees the line’s operations from 6:45am to 9:30pm, offering services every 15 to 20 minutes. Ticket pricing for a one-way journey is 50 yuan, or a discounted rate of 40 yuan for passengers holding proof of an airline ticket purchase. A round-trip ticket costs 80 yuan, with first-class options available at double the standard fare.
Despite the initial excitement, the train operates at just 20 percent of its capacity. The limited operating hours, short line length, high ticket prices, and the terminus at Longyang Road, 20 minutes from the city center via subway, contribute to these low numbers.
However, despite criticisms labeling the train as a “white elephant,” experts argue for its significance. Although alternative mass transit options like subways exist in central Shanghai, these do not match the maglev’s speed or comfort, especially for airport commuters. The difference is apparent to anyone maneuvering a suitcase on a crowded Shanghai subway during rush hour.
Globally, urban mass transit systems often fail to cover both their capital and operational costs through ticket revenue alone. This does not render them economically unviable, as they offer significant societal benefits. The costs, particularly for construction, are investments in a society’s infrastructure.
Imagine cities like New York, Singapore, or Hong Kong without a robust mass transit system. These efficient systems generate economic returns that far exceed the repayment of construction loans by improving urban quality of life and enabling higher economic output.
For China, the Shanghai maglev may become a prototype in advancing and mastering maglev technology. From a broader national perspective, the system could serve as a crucial learning platform for developing an extensive maglev network across the nation, potentially transforming China’s transportation landscape.
In conclusion, while the Shanghai Maglev Train might currently face challenges in ridership and financial performance, its value lies beyond mere ticket revenue. As a pioneering technological endeavor, it opens pathways to learning and economic growth that could extend far into the future.
