
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.

I usually commute by car and notice that old red and blue cars are really rare on the road. The reason is simple: older cars are too fuel-inefficient. Take that blue car I used to drive, for example—its outdated engine consumed several extra cents worth of fuel per kilometer, failed to meet environmental standards, and contributed to severe air pollution. The government has also promoted scrappage subsidy policies to encourage people to upgrade to new cars, and many owners seized the opportunity. Nowadays, automotive technology is advanced, offering more diverse car colors with high-gloss metallic paint, unlike the old red and blue hues that easily faded or peeled. Safety has also improved significantly—older cars lacked protective features like airbags, posing higher accident risks. Who wouldn’t want a safer ride? Plus, maintenance costs for old cars are expensive, and repair shops often recommend newer models, so naturally, older cars have been phased out.


