Title: Wuhan Railway Bureau Sets New Record for Summer Vacation Passenger Volume
Wuhan, China – September 1, 2024
The China Railway Wuhan Bureau Group Co., Ltd. (简称“武铁”) has reported a historical high in passenger traffic during this year’s summer vacation period. According to a report from China News Service on September 1, the bureau’s 128 passenger stations sent nearly 39.8 million passengers from July 1 to August 31, marking an increase of 1.694 million passengers year-on-year, or a growth rate of 4.5%.
The peak day of the summer vacation travel season was July 6, when an impressive 760,000 passengers were transported, setting a new single-day record for the bureau.
Record-Breaking Numbers
During the summer travel season, the three major stations in Wuhan, Hankou, and Wuchang together dispatched 16.88 million passengers, representing a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the bureau transported 4.865 million student and child passengers, accounting for 12.2% of the total.
The continuous growth in railway passenger traffic during the summer, a peak travel season, prompted the Wuhan Railway Bureau to adopt a dynamic train scheduling strategy. This strategy, known as one diagram per day, allowed the bureau to adjust train operations based on real-time demands.
Enhanced Transport Capacity
To meet the increased demand, the bureau implemented various measures to enhance transport capacity. This included the operation of additional temporary trains, with a total of 2,534 extra trains being added during the summer period. On popular routes such as the Han-Yi Railway, Han-Shen High-speed Railway, and Jing-Guang High-speed Railway, 1,149 pairs of动车 (EMU trains) were coupled together, an increase of 332 pairs compared to the previous year.
Focus on Tourism and Passenger Comfort
In response to the summer tourism boom, the Wuhan Railway Bureau continued to promote the railway + tourism initiative. The bureau launched 10 special tourist trains from stations such as Yichang, Chibi, and Lichuan to destinations including Xinjiang, Northeast China, and Fujian. To cater to the needs of elderly travelers and the unique characteristics of tourist trains, the bureau provided dedicated channels, waiting areas, and staff guidance. Fixed routes for entering and exiting stations were arranged, and volunteers were assigned to assist passengers, with medical staff also available.
The bureau also introduced measures such as priority passenger reservation and volunteer services, establishing a service network that connects various stations to provide comprehensive services for key passengers. For instance, the Wuhan and Xiangyang passenger segments provided a convenience service box on trains, equipped with summer heat prevention medications. The Hankou station created a children’s playground within the comprehensive waiting area, while the Wuhan and Xiangyang passenger segments offered children’s books and organized safety classes.
Ensuring Energy Supplies
During the summer vacation, the Wuhan Railway Bureau transported nearly 300,000 wagons of various goods, totaling 15.767 million tons. In response to the persistent high temperatures in many regions, the bureau strengthened the transport of energy supplies. It enhanced the unloading operations at nine dedicated lines, including the Yicheng Power Plant and Jiangling Coal Port, transporting 8.803 million tons of coal to 31 direct-powered power plants within its jurisdiction, an 8.36% increase year-on-year.
The major north coal to south transport corridor, the Haoji Railway Xiangzhou North Station, cumulatively dispatched 3,252 coal trains, carrying 11.83 million tons of coal, a 3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the bureau operated 134 trips of the China-Europe Railway Express, a 7% increase from the same period last year.
Conclusion
The Wuhan Railway Bureau’s summer vacation transportation figures reflect the growing demand for railway travel in China. Through enhanced capacity, improved services, and a focus on passenger comfort, the bureau has successfully managed to set a new benchmark in passenger traffic during the peak travel season. As China continues to develop its railway infrastructure, such achievements are a testament to the bureau’s commitment to providing efficient and comfortable travel experiences for millions of passengers.
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