TGV DUPLEX – a train of the third generation
The high-speed line linking Paris and Lyon was opened for traffic in 1981. It was to solve the problems of the ever-increasing flow of passengers between France’s two largest cities. A high-speed train of the second generation (TGV) was specially developed for this line. At present, 150 trains a day operate on this railway in both directions. Traffic frequency during peak hours is 1 train per 5 minutes. Ridership has increased up to 17 million passengers a year. To increase the carrying capacity of the line, French National Railways has ordered from the company Alsthom 30 trains of the third generation.
TGV Duplex is a high-speed double-deck train having 40% more seats than a conventional TGV. It consists of 8 trailers and 2 power carsmade of lightweight materials. The train reaches a speed of up to 300 kmh. Extra capacity has been achieved by lowering the floor of the lower deck by 40 cm. Besides, the overall height of the vehicle was increased by 20 cm.
Despite the 40% increase in the number of seats, the comfort level for passengers in second class has been enhanced by providing reclining seats and 7 cm more legroom1.
Compared with previous TGV generations, TGV Duplex has a modern aerodynamic profile and a new braking system, which significantly reduce noise level. All cars are air-conditioned and pressurized to prevent discomfort of passengers when running through tunnels at a high speed. Lower-deck accommodation is quieter than the upper deck as there is no through passage between cars. The passage along the whole train is only possible at the upper level. However, the view from the upper deck is far superior. Passengers with heavy luggage prefer the lower deck to save the effort of carrying their cases upstairs.
Technically, the train is a triumph. It was built on previous TGV experience but a number of new technologies, equipment and materials were introduced to solve the very difficult problems connected with a double-deck car configuration.
Notes: 1legroom –пространство для ног
(B) Найдите в тексте английские эквиваленты следующих фраз.
1. постоянновозрастающийпассажиропоток
2. в обоихнаправлениях
3. частотадвижения в часпик
4. количествопассажиров
5. чтобыувеличитьпропускнуюспособность линии
6. сиденье с регулируемымнаклономспинки
7. по сравнению с TGV предыдущего поколения
8. всевагоныгерметическизакрываются
9. салонвагонананижнемэтаже
10. с техническойточкизрения
(С)Ответьтенавопросыктексту. Ответыпереведите.
1. What train was specially developed for the high-speed Paris-Lyon line?
2. How many TGVs operate on this railway in both directions at present?
3. Are 17 thousand passengers a year carried by this railway?
4. Why has French National Railways ordered from the company Alsthom 30 trains of the third generation?
5. Now many cars does TGV Duplex consist of?
6. What differences are there between TGV Duplex and a conventional TGV?
7. What improvements have been made to enhance the comfort level for passengers in second class?
8. Why are all cars pressurized?
9. Can passengers and trainmen pass along the whole train?
10. Why do passengers with heavy luggage prefer the lower deck?
Приложение
Часть 1
Упр. 1. Прочитайте предложения и переведите их, обращая внимание на видовременные формы сказуемых.
Active Voice
1. A dispatcher controls the movement of trains over a definite section of the track.
2. The 12.15 shuttle train to Atlanta will depart from platform seven.
3.The railways play decisive role in the transportation of freight.
4. I got off the train at the wrong station.
5.At the large railway stations, porters use electric baggage trolleys.
6. The Japanese bullet train covers the 192km distance between Hiroshima and Kokura in only 44 minutes.
7. Before 1895, only steam-driven locomotives operated on US railroads.
8. This railway operator will transport freight only.
9. The train arrived at the station on schedule.
10. Sleepers hold the two rails at the right distance and transfer the loads from the rails to the ballast.
Passive Voice
1. The first automatic driver was testedon the Moscow Underground.
2. Nowadays, all rails are made of steel.
3. Wood was replaced by steel as a material for constructing passenger cars.
4. From 2009, new commuter trains capable of 225 km per hour will be introduced on domestic services between London and Kent.
5. The first railroad track was built in Russia in 1837 between St.Petersburg and TsarskoyeSelo.
6. In the compartment, the passengers’ luggage is put into a special box under the lower berth.
7. Subway trains are used to transport large numbers of passengers within urban and suburban areas.
8. We were informedof our train delay.
9. Approximately 75 % of the railroads in Latin America are concentrated in Argentina, southern and eastern Brazil, and Mexico.
10. Before 1947, the Britain’s railways were ownedby four private companies.