[CN] The Shanghai Maglev: Once the World’s Fastest Train at 431 km/h – What’s Its Status 21 Years Later?

[Miss Maglev]

The Shanghai Maglev: Once the World’s Fastest Train at 431 km/h – What’s Its Status 21 Years Later?

Text translated from Japanese Language. Source: https://vague.style/post/280039 Accessed 2025-01-13

In 2004, the Shanghai Transrapid made headlines worldwide with its astonishing top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). Now, 21 years after its launch, what has become of this high-speed maglev train? A firsthand experience reveals the surprising reasons why it is not widely used today.

On January 1, 2004, the Shanghai Transrapid officially began operations, connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city's urban area. This super high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train was a rarity worldwide, boasting a 431 km/h top speed, allowing it to cover the 30 km (18.6 miles) distance in just over 7 minutes. At the time, it was an engineering marvel and a symbol of China’s technological advancements.

Fast forward 21 years, and we decided to experience this unique transport firsthand.

As soon as you complete the immigration process and step into the arrival terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you’ll immediately spot signs labeled "磁浮 (Maglev)" guiding you toward the train.

A short walk in the indicated direction leads to the Shanghai Transrapid ticket counter. Be careful not to confuse it with the subway ticket booth, which is located on the opposite side.

Since the Shanghai Transrapid only has two stations—"Pudong Airport Terminal 1 & 2" and "Longyang Road"—purchasing a ticket is relatively straightforward.

The base fare is 50 yuan (~$7 USD) one way.
However, if you show your same-day airline ticket, the fare is 40 yuan (~$5.50 USD).
There are also round-trip discounts and VIP seat options available.

Tickets can be purchased using cash or credit cards, but in Shanghai, most transactions are handled through Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付). For convenience, it’s recommended to download the app and link your credit card in advance.

Both the manned ticket counters and automatic ticket machines support only Chinese and English, with no Japanese language support available.

After purchasing a ticket, a simple baggage screening is required at the gate before proceeding to the turnstiles. The ticket is an aged IC card, which must be tapped at the turnstile to enter. Descending the escalator leads directly to the platform, where passengers can board the maglev train.

Seating is unassigned by default, though the seat arrangement varies slightly by car.
Since the ride lasts only a few minutes, the seats are quite basic, especially when compared to Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains).

The Shanghai Transrapid operates approximately every 20 minutes, but passengers can only board just before departure. Once seated, the train departs almost immediately.

Although it is a "maglev" train, the ride feels similar to a conventional train. However, one exciting feature is the speed display inside the train, which rapidly climbs—a moment that even non-train enthusiasts would find thrilling.

But just as the excitement builds, the journey comes to an end in an instant—arriving at Longyang Road Station in what feels like the blink of an eye.

Text translated from Japanese Language. Source: https://vague.style/post/280039 Accessed 2025-01-13

[Miss Maglev]

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[Parrahub1]

Built by Germany with EMS technology the 1cm clearance means the guideway has to be dead level with huge foundations but over the years they have subsided so it is rocking so much it has to go slower.

Because everybody uses it they are looking at going back to wheels so I suggest the Japanese SC maglev shows how good maglev done right with EDS is.