Originally Posted by
YuropFlyer
Having more alternatives is always a good idea, and while it's true that at the moment factory workers can't enjoy such luxury rides, that might change in couple years.
More and more Chinese are willing to pay a premium for a comfortable and quick ride, and more and more can afford this. Certainly not all of them are business travellers. Not even the majority I would say. Leisure travel is expanding QUICK - and I mean quick for Chinese circumstances (Their "slow" is even faster what we here call "quick")
The issue is not the growing middle class and the ability to pay for more comfortable options.
The issue that even though the new CRH runs on separate tracks then the old 10hr one, there is possibility that the Ministry of Railway will eliminate a good number of normal trains on this route. While there is a growing number of wealthier middle-class who can and will take advantage of the CRH, the vast majority of people will or must opt for the cheaper slower train.