The 23 July 2011 crash of two High Speed trains near Wenzhou, southeastern China, was one of the most fatal crashes for High Speed in the world. It prompted a nationwide outpouring of grief and condemnation for the Chinese railways ministry, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch, caring little for commoners, especially victims.
A domino effect next happened, with many planned High Speed routes downgraded, delayed, or not built. Speeds were reduced, new stations were watered down, and strategic routes the victim of less care and attention.
By late 2011, the calamitous effect of all this following the Wenzhou crash was so serious that David Feng had to take action. Penning an article on social media, which later made it to the national rail newspaper, the People’s Railway Daily, David outlined his hopes for the Chinese railways of the future.
Five Expectations
Most seemed to abandon High Speed Rail in China right after the Wenzhou crash in 2011. David didn’t — within months he was easily doing thousands of kilometres every month on high speed lines across the nation. The Five Expectations were summarised by him as he resumed patronage of High Speed Rail.
Build them better.
Ensure that quality is paramount and ensure a line, once built, can serve “for the long run”.
Run them safer.
Ensure trains are always running at the best and safest speeds. Safety is a non-negotiable prority.
Speed them faster.
Allow for “speedbumps” or making trains run faster when it is clear this is welcomed and to the benefit of serving a greater ridership.
Serve them nicer.
Upgrade and improve station and onboard passenger services. Make sure passengers are cared from the moment they get to the station right to the exit gates.
Make it serve society more.
Futureproof the network by building upgradeable new lines. Build stations so that they are ready for the huge passenger flows of the future.
Three Goals
Making the railways safer.
Safety is a non-negotiable top priority. Ensure that passengers are assured that the railways permanently remain a safe and secure means of high speed transport.
Making the railways more efficient.
Through futureproofed stations and lines, as well as new lines and speed increases where needed, ensure the efficiency of the network is maximised.
Making the railways smart.
Ensure that passengers feel HSR is a smart way of getting around. Fully make use of technology to guide passengers, so to ensure they have a smooth, seamless journey.