Modern transportation modes exist in many styles and designs. Engineering plays a large role when it comes to speed and efficiency. With trains, its about speed: to compete with low cost air travel, a train must cover the distance between point A and point B with minimum time spent on board. So, we hear of the bullet train. Japan has had them for years; Europe for only about 20 years. And now, they have become more competitive. Italy has its red, green, and silver arrow trains(part of EuroStar).
In Spain, they have 3 lines, one of which travels from Barcelona to Madrid, a distance of about 420 miles. The Ave(bird) travels on a separate track from the Atocha Station in Central Madrid. Tickets run about 120Euros each, one way, preferred class, with meal service. There was one stop, in Zaragosa, for about 20 minutes. The rest of the time, we sat back and enjoyed the ride, at about 200 miles per hour. Yes, 200 mph!. Quiet, smooth, with a staff of amiable and efficient crew members. It was a pleasure. Screening helped to alleviate any security issues(easy for frequent fliers). The platform was clean and newly constructed.
2 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Madrid. It was a fine alternative to air travel: no crowded terminals, no overly aggressive personal body inspections, no 2 hour wait for boarding, extra seats available, quiet comfort from start to finish. What a pleasure. It serves to remind the traveler that there are other choices for that 500 mile trip. It actually involves less time than flying, start to finish.
The Bullet Train-the AVE!
No comments:
Post a Comment