Source: CCTV.com

01-11-2007 14:43

Special Report:   2007 Spring Festival

Every year, people wanting to travel back to their hometowns for the Spring Festival have to put up with crowded transport and higher ticket prices. But this year, China's railway ministry says it has scrapped the compulsory hike in train ticket prices during the holidays.

The Spring Festival travel rush this year will start on February 3rd to March 14th, and last for 40 days. An estimated 156 million passengers will travel during the period - that 's 4.3 percent more than the same period last year.

Even with the expected rush, the Ministry of Railway announced on Wednesday that ticket prices will not be raised this year.

The spokesman Wang Yongping said "The system of floating ticket prices during the festival has eased the burden of transportation to a certain extent during the past years. But in order to let people enjoy their Spring Festival, we decided not to raise the price."

With no price hikes, the railway authority is making great effort to relieve the possible pressure. Some cargo trains will be suspended to ensure smooth passenger transportation. And the ministry will increase the number of train routes during the Spring Rush. Moreover, the ministry says it will also improve its services as many passengers had hoped.

Wang Yongping said "Although the price will not rise, our service quality will improve."

The ministry will improve information release so travellers can better plan their journeys. It also suggests that travellers choose other times outside of the Spring Festival period for their holidays. China set a 20 percent floating range on railway ticket prices during the peak season in 2002, the practice has generated some customers' complaints.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan