On July 1, Haikou became the first city in the nation to run intercity trains using high-speed rail, according to Xinhua.
The city announced that the route has six stations, including stops at Haikou Railway Station and Haikou Meilan International Airport. The route stretches 38 kilometers, with trains expected to arrive every 15 minutes and reach up to 160 kilometers per hour. These city trains also make up the first urban rapid rail transit route in the province.
Each train consists of four cars, stretching over 100 meters long and capable of holding 756 people, according to Economic Daily. The trains are also the first in the nation to have both the interior and exterior solely designed by Chinese artists and designers, and we have to admit, they look pretty sweet. The designs incorporate local wildlife and nature to create a nice and vibrant look.
Image via @海南日报/Weibo
Aside from being the first in the country to use high-speed rail for intercity trains, the new transit option is a much-needed arrival for Haikou. The city’s deputy mayor, Sun Fen, echoed these sentiments to reporters, saying Haikou has lacked a high-capacity rapid transit, making the commuting experience very unsatisfying for city residents. With the arrival of this new method of transportation, the deputy mayor hopes high-speed transit can add some convenience to peoples’ lives.
Image via @海口日报/Weibo
READ MORE: China Expecting 720 Million Passenger Railway Trips This Summer
[Cover image via @海南热点君/Weibo]
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