Japan's newest train Peregrine set to 'fly'

TOKYO. March 3. KAZINFORM Japan is set to launch at the weekend its next-generation high-speed train, featuring sleek green and silver cars with pink stripes and named for the peregrine falcon; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

The "Hayabusa," the first upgrade of Japan's bullet train fleet in 14 years, has sparked such excitement among railway buffs that one ticket for Saturday, when it debuts, sold for thousands of dollars on the internet, media said.

The train clocks in at a top speed of 300 km (180 miles) an hour, making it the fastest train in Japan -- and just short of China's Harmony Express, a cross-continental rapid transit line that hits a high of 350 km an hour.

"It is indeed a bullet train that represents the high level of our company and Japan's technology," said Tomoyuki Endo, manager of the Shinkansen Group at East Japan Railway Company <9020.T>.

"Not only with its speed but also with its eco-friendly, speedy, reliable and comfortable mechanical performance as well as its fine passenger service."

The train offers "GranClass" service with genuine leather seats, personal reading lights and leg rests, along with free and unlimited alcoholic drinks in glassware and light meals -- at an extra charge of 9,490 yen ($116) depending on destination; Kazinform cites China Daily.

See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version