IX. Перепишите и переведите текст. TGV Duplex – a train of the third generation

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. Twenty years passed and the new line itself is overcrowded with 150 trains a day and 17 million passengers a year. Traffic frequency during peak hours is 1 train per 5 minutes. 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. It has 40% more seats than a conventional TGV. It consists of 8 trailers and 2 power cars. The speed of TGV Duplex reaches 300 km per hour. This third-generation train is made of lightweight materials. 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. The passage along the trains is only possible at the upper level.

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 legroom*.

Improvements compared with previous TGV generations include a modern aerodynamic profile and a new braking system, which significantly reduce noise level. All areas are air-conditioned and pressurized to prevent discomfort 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. 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, techniques and materials were introduced to solve the very difficult problems connected with a double-deck car configuration.

Notes: *legroom – место для ног.

X. Составьте утверждения, выбрав правильный вариант согласно тексту.

1. The high speed line connecting Paris and Lyon is used for…

a) high speed passenger transportation. b) freight transportation. c) both freight and passenger transportation.

2.TGV Duplex consists of…

a) 8 cars. b) 2 cars. c) 10 cars.

3. The third-generation trains are made of…

a) wood. b) lightweight materials. c) steel.

4. The overall height of the train was…

a) increased by 20 cm. b) decreased by 20 cm. c) increased by 40 cm.

5. The passage along the train is possible …

a) at the lower level. b) at the upper level. c) at the both upper and lower levels.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-11