Bad weather hinders travel

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-25-2008 13:54

Transportation sectors in China are gearing up for the Spring Festival travel peak.

Transportation sectors in China are gearing up for  the Spring Festival travel peak. (CCTV.com)

Even before the rush, trains are surging ahead and an estimated 52 million passengers rode the country's buses on Thursday alone.

But bad weather has stranded many and transport staff are trying to make the waiting easier.

On Thursday alone, the railway sector reported 3.4 million passengers, a 30 percent rise from the same period last year.

340 temporary trains have been added across the country. But bad weather has caused many travellers to miss their trains, so railway staff have offered them new tickets or a refund.

Ren Wenfang, Railway Staff, said, "We've increased the refund box to 7. In about 2 weeks, we have refunded or rescheduled over 17 thousand tickets."

Train tickets are almost sold out at Beijing West Railway Station and it's a similar situation in Guangzhou.

Bad weather has stranded many road travellers,  especially in central China, where snow and freezing  conditions have lasted for 11 days. (CCTV.com)

Bad weather has stranded many road travellers, especially in central China, where snow and freezing conditions have lasted for 11 days.

Staff in the transportation sector have taken emergency measures offering hot water and food to stranded passengers.

In preparation for another blast of winter, local governments have taken emergency measures.

They are asking citizens to help clear the snow on the road to improve travel conditions during the busy Spring Festival.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei