What type of trains are designated with G and D prefixes?
1 Answers
G-prefixed trains are called high-speed rail (HSR), while D-prefixed trains are electric multiple units (EMUs). The differences are as follows: 1. Price: The first distinction between the two is the ticket price. Passengers who have taken both types of trains will notice that even for the same destination, the ticket prices differ—HSR tickets are more expensive, while EMU tickets are cheaper, sometimes with a significant gap. In fact, EMUs are still quite efficient, just slightly slower than HSR. 2. Speed: HSR operates at speeds of 300-350 km/h, making it the fastest among all trains. Although China did not invent HSR, it has developed it to the highest standard. D-prefixed EMUs are also fast but slower compared to HSR, typically arriving at least half an hour later. For shorter distances, the time difference may be smaller. 3. Seating: HSR only offers seated tickets—if seats sell out, no more tickets are available. EMUs, however, offer both seated and standing tickets, which may lead to more crowded conditions. This is one reason why EMU tickets are cheaper than HSR tickets.