China reveals tram of the future

Workers test an advanced prototype tram on Monday in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

An advanced prototype tram was presented for tests on Monday in east China's Shandong province.

The tram has a maximum speed of 70 km per hour and can carry over 300 passengers when it consists of three carriages, said Li Yanyi, a senior designer of Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd., based in Qingdao city.

The floor is only 35 cm above ground, which makes it convenient for elders and children, said Li, adding it makes less noise and its uses less energy per passenger than ordinary public buses.

Public transportation is a government priority especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai,notorious for congestion.

Currently, trams run in Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, Shenyang and Changchun, with a total track length of only 96.6 km. More than 200 trolley car lines nationwide are planned with a total length of 4,000 km.