

Last week’s “test run” of China’s infamous “straddling bus” made headlines across the world; it also seems to have made a lot of trouble for developers.

While Chinese state media has applauded the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB) in the past, after last week’s public exhibition, they suddenly changed their tune, calling the bus (that is actually a train) totally unfeasible and even a complete scam that will defraud innocent investors.



Furthermore, the “test run” took place on 300 meters of controlled road in Beidaihe District of Qinhuangdao, a city in Hebei near Beijing. However, Qinhuangdao officials have denied any knowledge of the test or association with the project. The city’s top economic planner said that the test hadn’t even been approved. The company later clarified that the whole thing wasn’t actually a “road test,” but simply part of “internal testing.”

According to ECNS, electronic screens near the testing site still read “Beidaihe TEB Global First Test.” Meanwhile, the bus itself has been carefully concealed behind a giant steel structure that is 10-meters high, 9-meters wide and 30-meters long. There are no photos or visitors allowed.



All testing has been postponed. Ribbons remain uncut.



And the proposed factory where the company earlier held a groundbreaking ceremony is still just a big hole.



Yeah, things aren’t looking great.

Previously, developers said that they plan to conduct a full test run next year. Maybe we’ll get to see the TEB again someday. We hope so, this kid will be really sad otherwise.

When this little guy grows up, we'll all be riding the TEB. https://t.co/iYTF7BmGga pic.twitter.com/24pqpxl6gU — Shanghaiist.com (@shanghaiist) August 3, 2016



And so will investors.

[Images via Xinhua]