Spring Festival Travel Situation: 12.9 Million Passengers Chose to Take the Train Yesterday
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the rush to travel home for the holiday continues, with millions of passengers choosing to take the train as their mode of transportation. According to data from Railway 12306, approximately 12.9 million passengers opted to travel by train on the 8th of February, with the number of railway trips remaining high.
However, the Spring Festival heat map for the 9th of February shows a significant decrease in the number of train passengers compared to the previous day. The pre-sale data of 12306 indicates that the overall number of train passengers has dropped by about 40% compared to the 8th of February, suggesting that most passengers traveling by train have now returned to their hometowns.
Furthermore, the number of arrivals in each city has also seen a decrease in the number of train passengers, with cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Chongqing, Wuhan, Xi’an, and Nanchang experiencing the most significant declines.
A big data analysis by China Mobile Wutong Big Data has revealed that the average distance per person returning home during the Spring Festival travel season is 509 kilometers. Short-distance returns within 200 kilometers accounted for 36%, medium-distance returns of 200-500 kilometers accounted for 27%, and long-distance returns of more than 500 kilometers accounted for 37%.
Moreover, the usage of mobile phone applications by people returning home after long distances of more than 500 kilometers has increased notably, with the usage time of photography software rising by 47% compared to normal days, while travel software usage increased by 32%.
The number of people returning home this year has increased by 23% compared to the same period last year, with the flow of tourists expected to peak on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, according to Wang Jibin, General Manager of the Big Data Business Group of China Mobile Information Technology Center.
In addition to the travel data, the article also highlighted the introduction of hot chain meals with a full range of flavors for Spring Festival travel trains. The China Railway Group has launched new hot chain products on their trains, offering passengers a diverse and affordable range of meal options to enhance their travel experience.
The peak period for the return journey is expected to begin on the third day of the Lunar New Year, with the sixth to eighth day being the most intensive time period for return journeys. Currently, the seventh day of the Lunar New Year is the day with the largest number of pre-sold train tickets, as reported by Junction Point, Xinhua Daily, and its subsidiary newspapers.
In conclusion, the Spring Festival travel situation continues to evolve, with trends in passenger numbers, distances traveled, and the enhancement of travel services shaping the holiday experience for millions of travelers. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing travel rush, innovative measures and thoughtful amenities are ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers during this festive period.