More Americans Are Taking the Train Than Ever

[isitreal]

19. China system is amazing

My first trip to china was in 1989, only 3 weeks but rode a number of train routes. In 1994 I went back for 2.5 months on independent travel and rode even more roots. Been back periodically since. My last trip was this fall. Now the high speed rail system is fantastic. The infrastructure they have built in the last 10 years is really eye opening. A root I took from Guyanzohe to Guyian was through the mountains in southern china. For the last 1/2 of the trip at least 60% was though tunnels and the 40% was across high trestles. All the while we were going almost 200 mph. The why the stations run are so different from before. Very few workers are needed as most of the process is automated. You scan your id at the gate and it opens. The trains are on time as well.. If you are getting on or off at a busy stop you have 4 minutes before the train starts moving. Less busy stops are only 2 minutes. Once on and in your booked seat no one comes and checks your ticket. You don’t even have a paper one now as all is on the phone. Most transactions for anything, taxied and small shops included, are all done via phone. Ya open the WeChat app and scan the vendors QR code, put it the amount and send. Boom a minute later the vendor gets a chime they have been paid..