China to introduce X-prefix train numbers for high-speed trains exceeding 350 kph

(ECNS) -- China will add a new letter, "X," as a prefix for the numbers of Fuxing high-speed trains that will run at more than 350 kph (217 mph), China State Railway Group, the national railway operator, said Friday.

The change will take effect nationwide in two batches, in late November and late December, the company said.

The "X" is pronounced "xin," meaning "new" in Chinese, and stands for "new speeds and new products," a company official said. Train numbers under the new system will range from X1 to X9998.

A revised set of rules for assigning train numbers will take effect at the same time. The number of prefixes for high-speed passenger trains will rise from four to seven, expanding the number of available train numbers by nearly 40%.

Routes and departure and arrival times will not change under the current timetable, the company said.

(By Gong Weiwei)