BIZCHINA / From the Watchdog
China considers cutting bullet train ticket prices
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-04-23 16:19
China's Ministry of Railways are considering cutting ticket prices for
the new bullet train services, which begin on April 18, after
disappointing initial sales.
The bullet trains promise to reduce journey times by an average of two
hours between major cities with speeds of 200 to 250 kilometers per hour.
But fares were 50 percent higher than the current express trains because
of "greater costs, faster speeds and better service", said Wang Yongping,
spokesman with the Ministry of Railways.
Tickets for the first bullet train services went on sale on April 14, but
in some cities sales have been sluggish partly because of the high
prices, it is believed.
"We have noticed the public opinion about the ticket prices and will
consider slashing prices on the basis of market conditions in the
future," said Wang.
Ticket shortages will be alleviated during the May Day holiday as an
additional 340,000 seats will be provided every day to make traveling
more convenient, said Wang.
The latest round of the "speed boost" will increase the national railway
passenger capacity by 18 percent and cargo capacity by 12 percent.
"But it will not be possible for China to completely eliminate the
shortages until 2020 when the country's railway network lengthens to
100,000 kilometers," said Wang.
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