From Global Times in China (via XC) High-speed rail saves time, but price gives pause

“High-speed rails are actually making losses right now,” said Sun Zhang, a professor with the Urban Rail & Railway Engineering Department of Shanghai-based Tongji University. “The high ticket price is surely a reason for the loss. At present, most Chinese people want to save money rather than save time.”
High-speed railway should learn from airlines and offer discounts during periods of lower ridership and to those who place early orders, said Mao Shoulong , a professor at Renmin University of China.