Guangzhou Railway Group Sees Record-Breaking 124 Million Passengers During Summer Travel Season
Guangzhou, China – The Guangzhou Railway Group (CRG) has announced that it transported a record 124 million passengers during the summer travel season, marking a significant increase from the previous year. According to a statement released by the CRG on September 1, the 62-day summer travel period, which ended on August 31, saw a total of 124 million trips, an increase of 4.066 million from the previous year, representing a growth rate of 3.4%. The daily average passenger count was 2.029 million, with overall travel conditions remaining smooth and orderly.
Breakdown of the Summer Travel Period
The summer travel season, which typically spans from July to August, is a peak period for domestic travel in China, driven by various types of passengers, including families visiting relatives, tourists, business travelers, and students. Initially, the majority of passengers were traveling from smaller cities to larger urban centers. However, as July progressed, the flow shifted to popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Changsha, as well as major tourist attractions.
The peak travel day occurred on August 10, when the CRG transported 2.41 million passengers. The surge in travel demand was attributed to an increase in leisure and educational trips, as well as students returning to their universities.
High-Speed Rail Dominates Travel Choices
A significant portion of the summer travel was via high-speed rail, with 103 million passengers choosing this mode of transportation. The Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link were the most popular routes. The Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway transported 18.8 million passengers, an increase of 1.16 million from the previous year, thanks to improved operational efficiency and increased capacity.
Following a train schedule adjustment on June 15, the number of high-speed trains heading to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station increased from an average of 188 to 204 per day, reaching a peak of 234 trains during the busiest days. This change made travel between Hong Kong and the mainland more convenient, resulting in an additional 700,000 passengers using the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link during the summer period.
Efforts to Ensure Smooth Travel
To accommodate the surge in passengers, the CRG made significant efforts to optimize train services and ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience. The group dynamically analyzed passenger travel demands and adjusted train schedules accordingly. During the summer period, an average of 2,921 passenger trains were operated daily, with additional ordinary trains added in areas not served by high-speed rail to meet travel demands.
To cater to the increased interest in tourism, the CRG operated 28 special tourist trains, with destinations including Mohe, Tache, Ordos,喀什, Yili, and other popular tourist spots.
Enhanced Passenger Services
In terms of passenger services, the CRG’s various units introduced special caring services to make travel more comfortable and convenient. Guangzhou South Railway Station, for instance, increased the number of volunteers in areas such as the Chunlan service booth, senior citizen waiting areas, and母婴 waiting rooms to guide passengers and ensure a smooth travel experience. The Guangzhou-Jiulong Railway Segment organized volunteer activities on the platforms to assist passengers, carry heavy luggage, provide directions, and answer queries.
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety
The CRG also focused on vehicle maintenance and safety to ensure smooth operations. The Guangzhou Locomotive Maintenance Depot, the largest such facility in South China, handled the maintenance of 550.5 sets of EMUs during the summer period. The depot planned maintenance schedules in advance, reduced technical modification projects during the peak season, and implemented 45 measures to ensure the quality of equipment, including waterproofing, battery maintenance, and axle temperature monitoring.
Conclusion
The successful handling of the summer travel season by the Guangzhou Railway Group demonstrates the organization’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for domestic travel in China. With the continued popularity of high-speed rail and the introduction of enhanced passenger services, the CRG has set a new benchmark for the industry, ensuring that millions of passengers can travel safely and comfortably during peak travel periods.
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