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Classification of Train Services and Seats - How to Use CR Services - China-EMU

Classification of Train Services and Seats 

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Classification of Train Services and Seats
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Train Services

At present, the railway lines of China national railway are mainly divided into two types, one is the traditional passenger and freight trains running together, the traditional trains running on these lines, and another mainly operates high-speed trains. Of course, the line between them is not very clear.

Categories of EMU Train Services

The EMU trains of CR use the trains number beginning with C, D, G and S, but the difference between them is not very clear, and the ticket price is not distinguished according to its type.

The C class trains usually numbered start with C and follows a 2, 3 or 4 digits. The letter C means Intercity in Chinese, they usually run between the neighboring cities, and their mileage is usually very short, but some of them can reach 1000 km or more around urban agglomerations, and there are also circular lines among them. There are no specific rules on their speed, the maximum speed covers 120 km/h (~74 mph) to 350 km/h (~217 mph) and the model of trains are multifarious.

Train number beginning with D are very common all over the country. The D class trains usually numbered with a 1, 2, 3 or 4 digits after D, the train number with 1 or 2 digits, or 3 digits below 500, runs on the ordinary railway that runs together with freight trains at a maximum speed of 160 km/h (~99 mph). The trains number with 4 digits or 3 digits above 500 usually run with a maximum speed of 200 - 250 km/h (~124 - 155 mph) on the high-speed railways. There are also sleeper trains among them, and the longest mileage of Class D can reach about 2700 km (~1677 miles).

Trains number starting with G are also common all over the country especially on the backbone high-speed lines. They numbered a 1, 2, 3 or 4 digits after G, and their maximum speed on the way can reach 300 km/h (~186 mph) or 310 km/h (~193 mph) or 350 km/h (~217 mph). but in particular, all trains connecting with Hong Kong start with G regardless of the speed. These trains have a maximum passenger service of about 3,000 km (~1864 miles).

The S class are generally on the railway only in the metropolitan area with 3 or 4 digits after S, and the maximum speed may not exceed 200 km/h (~124 mph). All S class trains are only providing the non-reserved seats.

The train number of CR is very complicated. It is quite different from Japan or other countries, every railway lines in CR usually have many kinds and models of trains running on it. It is impossible to distinguish the models of trains from the train number, and different models of trains may be used for the same number of trains on different dates. Almost all lines of CR have cross-line trains, and there is not a close relationship between the stations and the heading direction and the train number, so it is necessary to care about the train number instead of the line name. When arriving at the station, you will hardly see the station display the line name at any position, but all the train numbers.

Categories of Traditional Train Services

In major CR system, most traditional trains are divided into Z, T and K Categories.

Trains with a maximum running speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) are numbered begin with a letter Z and followed by a 1, 2, 3 or 4 digits.

Trains with a maximum running speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) are numbered begin with a letter T and followed by a 1, 2, 3 or 4 digits.

Trains with a maximum running speed of 120 km/h (74 mph) are numbered begin with a letter K and followed by a 2, 3 or 4 digits.

Others categories such as trains without letters or trains with the beginning of Y, whose speeds are mostly below 120 km/h (74 mph). Trains with the beginning of Y, most of which are reserved trains, only a part of them sell tickets to the public, which are basically the same as trains with the trains beginning with K.

It attracts many low-income people due to its low ticket prices. However, due to low ticket prices and the inability to provide high-quality services, the riding experience may be relatively poor.

Seat Categories of EMU trains

EMU trains mainly provide business class, first class and second class seats, early part of the train to provide box and premium seats. On different models of trains, although the seat name is the same, but the ride experience is very different, and the purchase of tickets will not be specifically informed, unless you take the initiative to check the train model. Free hot drinking water and paper cups are provided with any class of ticket purchased. Any seat can buy food and drinks on trains by scanning the QR code on the seat and can be delivered directly to your seat. Baggage requirements are the same for all seats.

Seats are numbered with a row number then a seat letter, like on a plane.   The seats arrange in 3+2 are letters A/B/C- aisle -D/F.  In seats with 2+2 seating the seat letters are A/C- aisle -D/F. The seat letters are A/C- aisle -F or A- aisle -F when the seat in 2+1 or 1+1. So in all classes, A & F are always beside windows and C & D are always aisle seats. B is the undesirable middle seat of three.

Wi-Fi on trains will no longer be available after 2023.

The following will introduce the characteristics of different seats.

Second-class seats

Second-class seats have 5 seats in a row, the seats are basically arranged in 3+2, the seat back can be adjusted to a certain range, there is an armrest between each seat, and provided a small table on the front backrest. The seats can be rotated to face the direction of the train. It should be noted that some models that are produced earlier or are specially used for short-distance trains cannot rotate the seats direction towards the direction of the train, a part of seats are facing the opposite direction of the train, and even some models cannot adjust the angle of the backrest, and there may be no armrests between adjacent seats. A standard carriage offers about 85-90 second-class seats.

Early trains did not provide electrical outlets. All CRH380 series are provided with one or two AC220V sockets at the bottom of each row of seats, a two-hole and a three-hole sockets are available. In addition to the AC220V socket, all CR series also adds a USB-A charging port and moves the sockets to an easier-to-use location, among which the CR200J-A series set the socket onto the wall of the train, and other CR200, CR300 and CR400 trains set at the seam of the seat cushion. In addition to the AC220V socket and USB-A port at the seam of the seat cushion, the new train model ending with letter Z also has a USB-A port behind the backrest of the seat in the previous row. The latest trains, which will put into service by the end of 2023 and later, also add USB-C ports to the seat seams.

First-class seats

There are 4 seats in a row, the seats are basically arranged in 2+2, the seat backs can be adjusted to a certain extent, there are armrests between each seat, the early trains provide a small table placed in the armrest, the trains after 2021 provide a small table on the front backrest, and the first-class seats provide additional footboards. Seats can be rotated to face the direction of the train. A standard carriage usually provides about 60 first-class seats.

It should be noted that some models that are produced earlier or specially used for short-distance trains cannot rotate in the direction of the seat, some seats might face the opposite direction of the train, and even some models cannot adjust the angle of the backrest, and there may be no armrests between adjacent seats. At the both ends of the sightseeing area of Early CRH380AL, CRH380BL and CRH380CL trains, there are three seats in the business seat compartment cannot adjust the angle or rotate the direction but look like the color of the business seat, which is nicknamed "secretary seat", also sold by the first-class seat.

Early trains did not provide electrical outlets. All CRH380 series are provided with one or two AC220V sockets at the bottom of each row of seats, a two-hole and a three-hole sockets are available. In addition to the AC220V socket, all CR series also adds a USB-A charging port and moves the sockets to an easier-to-use location, among which the CR200J-A series set the socket onto the wall of the train, and other CR200, CR300 and CR400 trains set at the seam of the seat cushion. In addition to the AC220V socket and USB-A port at the seam of the seat cushion, the new train model ending with letter Z also has a USB-A port behind the backrest of the seat in the previous row. The latest trains, which will put into service by the end of 2023 and later, also add USB-C ports to the seat seams.

Long-distance trains with train number starting with G provide free drinks and snacks for passengers travelling for longer distances. Passengers travelling for shorter distances will be given drinks and snacks depending on their availability.

Premier class seat

There is no precise definition of a premier class seat, and the number of trains offering it is not large. The trains manufactured in the early days always had some strange layout, and the premier-class seats of each train were different, resulting in no accurate shape of the premier class seats. Premier seats usually provide three seats in a row, the three seats may be in a box next to each other, or may be independently located in a row, the seat themselves are the same as the first-class seats, and even the seats in the box are not more comfortable than the first-class seats. Long-distance trains with train number starting with G provide free drinks and snacks for passengers travelling for longer distances. Passengers travelling for shorter distances will be given drinks and snacks depending on their availability.

Due to the early manufacturing time of trains with premier seats, there are not enough charging outlets nearby the seats.

Overview of Business Class Seat

Business class seats are the highest class of seats and are few in number, usually only 1-3% of the passenger capacity of a train. A standard carriage offers less than 20 business seats, which is a lot of space compared to other types of seats. There is plenty of legroom for all seats, which are electrically adjustable and can be reclined flat. All seats are equipped with charging outlets and complimentary slippers are provided.

The business class tickets can be given priority to pass the security check, it can be checked through a special channel to avoid queuing at some stations with large passenger flow , and there will also be a special channel when entering the station or quickly board the train guiding a special staff. Before departure, you can enter a separate business lounge, which provides free soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as a variety of small foods, and some books and magazines for reading, charging outlets are provided in the lounge, and some high-level business lounges provide dinners.

Long distance trains with train number starting with G provide a steady flow of complimentary tea, coffee & soft drinks, and boxed snacks for passengers taking a long distance. If the travel time overlaps with the main meal time, a free Chinese fast food will also provide, the type of food will vary according to the different operators of the train, usually rice with three dishes, at least one of which contains meat, and will be accompanied by a cup of vegetable soup. For passengers travelling a shorter distance, the decision will be made based on the availability of drinks, snacks and meals.

Business seats (Eggshell)

Business seats have two or three in a row, like an eggshell shape, the seat can be completely flat, business seats are usually located in a separate compartment or separate compartment, and not provide luggage racks at the top. From 2011 to the present, except for the trains produced from 2021 to 2023, all trains are provided with such business seats. An AC220V socket is provided at the armrest of each seat, with two and three holes to choose from. In addition to the AC220V socket, all CR series also adds a USB-A charging port, and the new trains put into operation by the end of 2023 or later also add a USB-C port.

Business seats (Fishbone)

The "fishbone" business seats offer two seats per row, each with a relatively independent space. The seat also can be completely flat, it also providing wireless charging, projection screen and other functions. This type of seat is available in the CR400AF-Z/AZ/BA, CR200JS-G, CR200J1-C, CR200J3-C manufactured after 2021. Some trains put into operation after 2024 have both this seat and form 1 business seat, which should be paid attention to when purchasing tickets.

Business seats (Private room)

Boxed business seats provide two seats per row, after closing the box door, each seat has its own space, privacy is excellent. The seat can be completely flat, while also providing wireless charging, projection screen and other functions. The seat will be available on the CR400BF-Z/AZ/BA manufactured after 2021. Some trains put into operation after 2024 have both this seat and form 1 business seat, which should be paid attention to when purchasing tickets.

Working/dining area

Some trains provide separate working areas and dining areas with a large area of desktop space. Such seats of some Hexie EMUs and CR200 series are sold as second class seats, but the seat cannot be adjusted angle, nor can rotate direction. On the Fuxing CR400BF-C, the "multi-fuction" seats are sold in a separate type and cost more than the second-class seats.

Barrier-free space

All EMU trains provide barrier-free space for passengers using wheelchairs, which close to barrier-free space toilets.

At present, all of the floor of EMU trains and platform of high-speed railway stations in China are flush with each other, and all trains are single-deck, which is convenient for children who need to use baby carriages or for the elderly. All stations are equipped with barrier-free facilities, and it is easy to enter the station and board the train.

The seat of a suburban train

Because the ride time is very short, suburban trains generally provide seats that cannot rotate or adjust the backrest angle, and the seats are relatively hard, the space is not very large, and some seats will be back to the direction of the train. There are also no tables for most of the seats, except for some shared tables.

Train seats of traditional rolling stock

Due to the large differences in production years, the types and styles of seats are numerous, and the number of some styles is small, so only the common types are introduced here.

Hard Seat

In order to achieve greater capacity, the seat backs are all 90-degree angles, each row is 5 seats, each two rows are facing each other, and then share a small table.

This is currently the lowest fare class in China. A standard 25.5 m long and 3.1 m wide train typically offers 120-126 hard seats. Tickets without seats will be sold during periods of high demand.

Soft Seat

coming soon

Overnight sleeper trains

The overnight train is a good choice for long-distance travel in China. Using the overnight train can avoid the inefficient use of time during the day. It can provide enough sleep time and save a hotel expense although it is not as fast as the day trains. Most of the railway lines in China are of high quality, the trains run smoothly, there is no need to worry about the track being too uneven to cause the train bumpy, you can get a relatively well sleep experience, unless the passengers around you make strange noises or smell at night.

Take Beijing to Shanghai for example, train D9, depart from Beijing at 19:36 in the evening and arrive at Shanghai at 07:46 the next morning after 12 hours and 10 minutes, you can get a very sufficient sleep time on the train.  Some trains, which are in close proximity, deliberately slow down or stop at night to avoid arriving before dawn. If there is no suitable train between the origin and destination, you can also make full use of transferring, which is a better option if you have limited time to travel in China.

Sleeper Categories of EMU trains

The sleepers of the EMU train mainly provide two layers of beds and three layers, each two layers sleeper is a four-person private room, the space of each position is relatively large, the price is more expensive, and the three layers of sleeping berth is an open space. There is also a capsule sleeper in a longitudinal layout.

Second class sleeper

The second class sleeper is a doorless compartment for six people, which is an open space with no doors, there are top, middle and bottom three beds on each side of compartment. Each sleeper is provided with a light and USB-A charging port, as well as an AC 220V socket in the compartment. A pillow and a comforter are provided. It is only available on trains running under 200 km/h.

First class sleeper

The first-class sleeper is a four-person room with a lockable door that separated from the corridor. There are two beds on each side of each room. With fully blackout curtains, you can avoid the sun affecting the quality of sleep. Two pillows and a comforter are provided. The newer trains have a light and USB-A charging port for each sleeper, as well as an AC 220V socket in the compartments, but trains built before 2014 do not have charging facilities.

Capsule sleeping berth

Each berth in the vertical sleeper is a separate space.  The curtain is separated from the hallway, and it has a better privacy.  All beds have separate window, table, light and power outlets with USB port. The disadvantage is that the sound insulation is poor, the curtain cannot insulate the sound of the aisle, if other passengers go to the toilet at night, the sound is still relatively large. A pillow and a comforter are provided.

Train sleepers of traditional rolling stock

Due to the large differences in production years, the types and styles of sleepers are numerous, and the number of some styles is small, so only the common types are introduced here.

Six-person compartment

Coming soon

Four-person cubicle

Coming soon

Upscale double room with separate bathroom

Coming soon

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