高铁里程突破5万公里，为何仍需绿皮车？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving role of traditional slow trains (referred to as "green trains") in China's railway system, highlighting their continued importance despite the rapid expansion of high-speed rail networks. It emphasizes that these trains serve essential functions for specific demographics and regions, providing affordable transportation options. Group 1: Train Operations and Statistics - As of January 26, the new train operation schedule includes a total of 12,130 scheduled passenger trains, with many conventional trains being reclassified from Z, T, and K to D for high-speed trains [2] - On January 27, 2026, a total of 1,225 trains were scheduled to operate, including 162 direct trains (Z), 132 express trains (T), 680 fast trains (K), and 251 pure number trains [6] - The maximum speeds for different train types are as follows: Z trains at 160 km/h, T trains at 140 km/h, K trains at 120 km/h, and conventional trains ranging from 80 km/h to 120 km/h [7] Group 2: Role and Value of Green Trains - Green trains connect cities with populations over 200,000 and resource-rich areas, serving as a vital link for low-income groups and residents in remote areas [3][4] - The affordability of green trains is a significant draw, often costing half or less than high-speed train tickets, making them a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers [10] - In remote areas, green trains are crucial for local communities, providing essential transport services and even acting as mobile libraries for students [11] Group 3: Economic and Social Impact - Green trains have lower construction costs and can effectively connect surrounding regions, promoting local economic development, especially in smaller cities [12] - From a freight perspective, green trains are more economical, with railway freight costs being about one-third of road freight costs, and they have a significantly lower environmental impact [13] - Despite their ongoing utility, the overall number of conventional trains is decreasing, with a reduction of 71 trains compared to the previous schedule [13]