China is implementing significant fare increases for passengers on four major bullet train lines, marking a broad effort to address rising costs and heavy debts incurred during the construction of the system over the past two decades. The fare hikes are part of a larger initiative to raise prices for public services, including water, natural gas, and electricity. These increases aim to offset losses at state-owned enterprises and align with China's shift towards high-tech manufacturing and exports. The move has sparked public debate, particularly due to stagnant wages and declining real estate prices. Despite the fare hikes, China's bullet trains remain more affordable than those in the West. The increased fares will impact both affluent and less prosperous communities, with peak fares set to rise by almost 20 percent for certain routes. The fare increases are attributed to changes in operating costs, including maintenance, equipment updates, and labor expenses. The expansion of the high-speed rail network has led to the growth of new towns and cities along the lines, with many people using the trains for commuting between low-cost and high-cost areas.