Cabins! They are among the goodies in store for some lucky (wealthy) travellers on high-speed trains based in Nanjing and beginning their service life in the near future. They, and a host of other improvements to make our journeys a whole lot better.
A brand new CR400BF-AZ model “Fuxing” high-speed train recently pulled up at a Nanjing South Railway Station platform, marking its delivery to the China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
While mostly similar on the outside to other members of the “Fuxing“ series in its distinctive livery nicknamed “Golden Phoenix”, the new model is in fact quite a bit longer, with a 16-car train set having a body length of 416.6 metres.
But the real action is to be found on the inside. Let’s start with that all-important dining car. As with the entire train, the new dining car has a completely new look, largely enabled by a lighting system that PSA Nanjing (南京发布) is calling, “More cool and technological”.
Heading into those second-class carriages, it is here where the changes are also largely cosmetic. Again, there is a whole new colour scheme, but other than the addition of USB ports in every seat, things are much as they were. But then, seat numbers are displayed on each seat’s coat hook, so we never need worry that we don’t know where we are.
First-class passengers, however, receive a few more improvements. Fans of crossing their legs will be pleased to hear that the tables have been moved from the armrests to the backs of the seats in front, while each seat now has an adjustable head rest and an electrically-powered leg rest.
But it’s up in business class where the new trains excel. While that’s always been a bit like flying first class, the similarity is now almost worrying. Each seat has been given its own cabin, providing for a completely private space. Meanwhile, a side table by each seat offers wireless-phone charging, while a display in front of the seat supports screen mirroring.
Last but not least, for every passenger, irrespective of class, 5G is available throughout, for those at least with suitably-equipped phones.
So when can we experience all this? The new trains’ roll out from Nanjing South Railway Station beginning in January.
