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Shanghai Maglev: Once the World’s Fastest Train, Still in Operation Over 20 Years Later
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The Shanghai Transrapid, a magnetic levitation (maglev) train, began operation in 2004 and connects Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road Station—a distance of roughly 30 kilometers covered in about 8 minutes. At its launch, the train could reach a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph), making it the fastest commercial train in the world at the time. During testing, it even hit 501 km/h (311 mph).
Using magnetic levitation, the train floats above the track without wheels, resulting in minimal friction, reduced noise, and a very smooth ride. The train accelerates rapidly, reaching 300 km/h (186 mph) in less than 2 minutes, a feature that continues to impress passengers.
Despite its cutting-edge technology, the maglev line has never been particularly crowded. One reason is its short distance and limited route, making it more of a tourist attraction than a practical daily commute for most locals. Over time, high operating costs, energy consumption, and noise concerns led to a speed cap of 300 km/h during early morning and late-night hours.
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ridership declined further. In response, operators decided to run the train at a constant 300 km/h all day to reduce energy use and maintenance costs. Interestingly, this change has had little effect on travel time—less than a 60-second increase—and hasn't significantly impacted the train’s usefulness.
The fare is about 1,000 yen (around $7 USD) for a one-way ride, which feels somewhat pricey considering the brief duration. Seats are basic, with no reclining or rotation features, which may feel underwhelming to travelers familiar with Japan’s Shinkansen or express trains. However, given the short 8-minute ride, luxury seating isn’t essential.
The train is equipped with ample luggage racks for large suitcases, clearly catering to airport travelers. Though no longer the pinnacle of speed, the Shanghai maglev remains a futuristic and efficient way to reach the city from the airport—and a fascinating glimpse into transport innovation.
Text based on: https://vague.style/post/315575 Accessed 2025-05-05
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