Xue Jun. [Photo/Xinhua]

In addition to significant operating advantages over steam locomotives, like easy switching of tracks, the operating environment is much more attractive.

"It is fully weatherproofed and without the dirt and heat that was inevitable when operating a steam locomotive," said Xue.

"We have fans and electric stoves to boil water. On a steam locomotive, we needed to use a shovel to hold the kettle in the firebox," Xue recalled.

After driving diesel locomotives for 14 years, Xue began to drive electric locomotives after getting a license in 2006.

"Amenities - including a refrigerator, microwave oven, electric heater and air conditioner - are in the driving room of an electric locomotive," he said. "And we don't need to clean the locomotive by ourselves anymore."

For a diesel locomotive, the two drivers had to spend about two hours cleaning the cabin, Xue said.

"Now the cleaning equipment can finish the work within 15 minutes," he said.

Xue said electric locomotives are quiet because there is no engine noise and less mechanical noise.

After bullet trains took to the tracks to transport passengers, Xue got that license in 2008.