My inbound flight landed over an hour late, so it was already dark and I had less time than expected. I'd just decided it wasn't worth the hassle of getting cash and storing my bags, and headed right to check-in for my departure from PVG (which it wouldn't let me do on-line) when I learned check-in wasn't open for another half hour. So, I got 200 RMB, stored my bags downstairs at arrivals (only 20 RMB), walked back to the MagLev station, and bought an 80 RMB ticket (turns out they do take credit cards, but I'd already gotten cash).

I'm sure the trip would have been more fun if it hadn't been dark, but the speed indicator was cool, and it was a worthwhile way to spend the half-hour or so.

Why do they run trains at different speeds at different times? Why not always run fast?