Travel flows reach new high

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-14-2009 09:16

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About 4.7 million passengers made journeys throughout the country on the third official travel day of Spring Festival. Transportation sectors across the nation are working all out to provide convenience for the increasing flow of travellers.

About 4.7 million passengers made journeys throughout the  country on the third official travel day of Spring Festival.

Students and migrant workers made up the bulk of those traveling during the first few days of the peak period. And their numbers continued to grow in the third day.

Special trains for students have left from major hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai since Monday, sending thousands back home.

A student said, "Our college booked the group tickets for us. It's great to go home on a special train."

Beijing colleges have booked over 600 thousand group tickets for students. And seats are reserved for students from other cities who need to transit through Beijing.

Students from quake-hit Sichuan Province are of great concern. Thousands of them have received free tickets departing from Nanchang and Xi'an for an easier way back.

A student from quake zone said, "The local government has covered the ticket fare. And our teachers will accompany us on the way home."

Migrant workers are also able to benefit from the special conveniences. Shanghai Railway Station has set up new temporary waiting "halls" in the square and in the underground parking lot.

Over 300 trains were added on Tuesday to meet the increasing numbers of passengers. But the biggest challenge will come two days from now, when the travel peak will be at its highest.

There were more than 55 million traveller trips on the nation's roads on Tuesday. Passengers gathered at major transportation hubs in Beijing, Guangdong and Shanghai before departing on their journey. More buses were added to the schedule in Beijing and passengers can now book tickets much earlier.

Over 4000 flights will be added each day during the travel season. Passengers in Chongqing who are late for the check in can now board their flight from a special desk.

Editor:Zhang Ning