20m travel by train in New Year holiday
Updated: 2012-01-04 15:49
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
BEIJING - More than 20 million people hit the rails during the past three-day New Year holiday, up 2.2 percent year-on-year, the Ministry of Railways said Wednesday.
In order to accommodate travelers' needs, 529 temporary trains were put into service during the holiday, which lasted from Sunday to Tuesday, representing a rise of 349 trains from one year earlier, the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.
The country sold 24.66 million train tickets during the holiday, of which, 23.4 percent were sold via Internet and phone.
From late December, travelers were able buy tickets for all trains from an online ticketing system, which was designed to facilitate the ticket purchasing process.
However, some passengers complained about the instability of the system, as it at times failed to issue tickets that had already been paid for.
The ministry said the system had a 30-minute limit for payment processing, with tickets returned to the purchasing pool after the time limit was up.
The ministry said the time limit was extended to 45 minutes starting Saturday, and suggested travelers try other means if they are unable to book tickets online.
Related Stories
All eyes on the new year 2012-01-01 10:53
Torchlight marks the start of New Year 2011-12-31 09:43
New Year celebrations around the world 2011-12-31 13:07
Light paintings greet coming New Year 2011-12-30 11:05
Bicycles to help bring in green new year 2011-12-30 11:05
- Measures to boost buying amid export decline
- China protests islands visit by Japan
- China to play greater role in 2012
- China axes TV entertainment shows
- New Year's art starts controversy
- Taliban to set up office in Qatar
- Man used fake Wendi Deng Twitter
- CPI to ease further this year despite inflation
Hot Topics
Kim Jong-il, Mengniu, train crash probe, Vaclav Havel, New Year, coast guard death, Internet security, Mekong River, Strait of Hormuz, economic work conference
Editor's Picks
Smiles as kids head home for holidays |
Boy is first to be airlifted for medical care |
Hungarians protest against new constitution |
Ice Castles in Colorado |
Clijsters back for Australian Open with winning start |
Li Na says 'cheese' with baby kangaroo in Australia |