Why are red and blue trains no longer in use?
3 Answers
Cancellation of red and blue trains is due to the railway department's standardization of passenger train exterior colors. Below are specific details regarding passenger train exterior colors: 1. Regulation: To promote the standardization and simplification of railway locomotives and vehicles, the railway department gradually initiated the standardization of conventional-speed passenger trains starting from 2013, with the unification of exterior colors being part of this effort. 2. Unified color scheme: The conventional-speed passenger trains used by the railway department had five exterior colors: green, red, blue, white, and orange. Considering that green conveys a simple, dignified, and environmentally friendly visual effect, the railway department decided to adopt dark green as the unified color for conventional-speed passenger trains. After standardization, Chinese railway passenger trains will have two colors: dark green for conventional-speed trains and white for electric multiple units (EMUs).
I think the reason why red and blue cars have become less common is mainly due to the rapid advancement in automotive technology. In the past, older models often had monotonous colors, such as red or blue paint, which were mostly found on lower-end models. Nowadays, car materials are lighter and more durable, engines are much more efficient, reducing fuel consumption and pollution. The government has also introduced strict emission standards that older cars simply can't meet, so they naturally get phased out. Additionally, safety has been upgraded—older cars lack features like ABS and smart collision systems, making them unsafe to drive. I've noticed that car colors today are much more diverse, with metallic and gradient colors being popular—who still insists on plain red or blue? Plus, with high maintenance costs and hard-to-find parts, car owners are actively switching to newer models. Vehicle intelligence is the big trend, and autonomous driving features are becoming more widespread, making older models obsolete.
As an old car collector, I really miss those vintage cars with red and blue paint jobs, but the reality is they're becoming increasingly rare. Mainly because parts suppliers have basically stopped production, and finding replacement parts costs a fortune, making repairs a real hassle. Modern cars use more electronic systems, while old cars have complex mechanical structures, higher failure rates, and far worse reliability. I've also tried commuting in an old car, and the fuel consumption was shocking—monthly gas expenses were significantly higher than for a new car, not to mention the serious environmental issues, with exhaust emissions way over the limit. Nowadays, new car designs are more stylish, with colors not limited to red and blue but also including matte black, pearl white, and various other options. Who among the younger generation would still buy old models? With the shrinking second-hand car market and declining collectible value, I've had to shift my focus to new hybrid models.
