Background of Recent Developments of Passenger Railways in China, the UK and Other European Countries

Abstract

This paper, based on a lecture given during tour undertaken in May 2014 of key railway establishments in China, consists of a brief introduction to the historyHistoryand comparisons of railwaysRailwaysin the UK and China, a description of rail speed-up in the last few decades in the UK, and notes of current high-speedHigh speedtrains. Similar brief details are given of high speed in Europe. Brief mention is made of comparative railway safety. The development of high-speed rail in China is discussed, and the UK high- speed development plan is briefly introduced. The paper concluded that high-speed trainTrainsystem has tremendous advantages in increasing the efficiency and convenience of transport without adding to carbonCarbongeneration.