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The concept of non-stop station high-speed trains proposes a novel approach to rail transportation, aiming to minimize transfer times and increase efficiency. Chinese designers advocate for “top-hanging transfer,“ where a dedicated capsule cabin above the high-speed train facilitates seamless boarding and alighting without the need for the train to stop. This innovation involves transforming single-layer tracks into double-layer tracks, with one layer serving as the high-speed rail track and the other as a shuttle track for the transfer cabin. Passengers enter the capsule cabin beforehand and are transferred onto the train as it passes through the station, eliminating the need for stops. This concept, although still in the experimental phase, presents a practical solution tailored to China’s high-speed rail network. Compared to alternative transfer methods proposed by other countries, such as parallel docking and rear-end docking transfers, the top-hanging transfer offers greater efficiency and feasibility. It involves suspending a transfer carriage on the train’s roof, allowing passengers to board via movable escalators. This method minimizes operational costs and ensures a seamless transfer experience. While facing some limitations, such as limited pod capacity, the top-hanging transfer represents an innovative approach to high-speed rail interchange, promising enhanced efficiency and passenger experience.
