Planes, trains and price wars

There's still three days to go before the official opening of the world's longest high speed rail line -- from Beijing to Guangzhou. But the ticketing price war has already begun, as the rail and aviation industry compete to lure passengers with a need for speed.

A 22 hour train journey now reduced to eight. It's no wonder tickets for the new Beijing to Guangzhou high speed rail line have been flying off the counter.

Zhang Min, Engineer, Guangzhou Railway Group, said, "We've sold nearly five thousand tickets in just three days. They're selling online, through telephone sales, ticket agencies and ticket vending machines."

Airlines are feeling the heat and many have responded by slashing fares.

Wang Yi, Deputy Manager, Wuhan Sales Department, Air China, said, "All our tickets between Wuhan and Beijing are discounted, some with nearly 90-percent off the original price. We still think our passenger numbers will fall by about 20 percent. We're going to keep looking at ways to boost our business, from an international perspective."

It's down to passengers to make their own choices, over which fast lane to take.

"I want to use the high-speed railway."

"I prefer to go by plane because it's more relaxing and comfortable."

More competition always brings more consumer choice and usually lower fares to boot. Some airlines are even looking to work together with the rail industry, to provide integrated rail and air services early next year.