1st wave of travel rush to start soon
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E-mail CNTV, January 18, 2013
What's been dubbed the world's biggest human migration is about to begin, as hundreds of millions of Chinese people set off on their journey home for the Spring Festival holidays. As always, getting their hands on a ticket proves the biggest headache for travelers. CCTV reporter Ai Yang went to Beijing West Railway Station.
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Migrant workers from central China's Henan Province wait for the train at the Hangzhou Railway Station in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 17, 2013. |
Getting a ticket home is tiring. There are still ten days to go before the Spring Festival Travel season officially kicks off, but the queues are growing longer fast.
Migrant Worker, from Jiangsu Province, said, "There are too many people. And it's not just in Beijing. There are too many people everywhere in China. But compared to last year I feel the queue is shorter, because many people buy tickets online now."
China's railways are expecting 225 million passenger trips during the 40 days of travel rush. The number is on a steady rise every year. This year tickets are available 18 to 20 days ahead of the journey date, giving travelers one extra week than last year.
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Passengers prepare to board the train at the Hangzhou Railway Station in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 17, 2013. |
Migrant Worker, from Henan Province, said, "I got my ticket online. It's much easier this way. I'll be home this afternoon."
The online ticketing system was initiated last year, but the costly website's frequent failures during the previous spring travel rush aroused wide criticisms. Authorities say it can better handle online traffic this time.
Song Jianguo, Spokesman, Beijing West Railway Station, said, "Ticket booking through the internet and phone calls now account for more than 40 percent of all tickets sold. Also we've added more self-help kiosks and temporary ticketing offices to help ease the pressure this year. The first travel peak will fall on January 18th."
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