Briefs from around the globe

Chinese rail link plan accelerated Design and planning for a high-speed rail line linking Beijing to Kowloon, estimated to cut travel time for the journey in half, was sped up in light of its perceived benefits, according to The Standard. The rail service, which reaches speeds of up to 186 mph, reduces the travel time from 28 hours to an estimated 14 hours. Scottish tunnel key to service improvement A $754 million tunnel under the River Clyde and Glasgow city center will have to be built to improve rail services in the west of Scotland, according to a Scottish Strategic Rail Study Final Report. The tunnel, which would allow trains to run directly from all directions of Glasgow for the first time, is seen as key to addressing passenger capacity issues, reported The Herald. Features of the tunnel plan include an underground station linked by escalators or walkways with lower level platforms. Dubai launches public transport Website The Public Transport Department of Dubai Municipality launched a Website, www.dubaipublictransport.ae, providing detailed information on services offered. Website features, available in English and Arabic, include a route map that tours the city. The site, geared toward bus passengers, has helped generate more traffic on bus routes, reported the Gulf News. Nearly 155,000 passengers use the transport system daily.