Chongqing - The 2023 Spring Festival lasts 40 days from January 7, with the total passenger capacity of railways, roads, waterways, and air transportation expected to reach 30.09 million, a year-on-year increase of 19%, according to the Chongqing Municipal Transportation Bureau.

In Chongqing, there is an expectation for the total road transport passenger capacity in the Spring Festival to reach 14 million this year, with a gain of 21.2%; railway passenger capacity is projected to reach 10.4 million, rising by 18%; and civil aviation transport passenger capacity could reach 5.14 million, with an increase of 22%. 

Passenger volume on the road, rail, and air is set to reach 70.3 percent of the pre-epidemic level in 2019, Xu Chengguang, an official with the Ministry of Transport responsible for the Chunyun, told a State Council Information Office press conference on Friday.

Considering the diversification of travel, the passenger capacity of waterway transport will decline, reaching a total capacity of 550,000 passengers, with a decrease of 30% year-on-year.

The expectation of total passenger capacity in Chongqing for the 2023 Spring Festival Travel Rush. (Graphics / Chen Yuting)

Measures to ensure a smooth travel flow for passengers

Chongqing’s relevant government departments take steps to ensure a smooth travel flow for passengers.

For example, strengthening the personal protection of employees and passengers, encouraging front-line employees of passengers to wear masks, and operating well in cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation of passenger depot and transport vehicles.

Chongqing North Railway Station has added senior service channels in the ticket hall and waiting hall to help the seniors with the inconvenience.

The elderly group can reach the senior service window to inquire about ticket information, and the staff will print an information reminder sheet for them in addition to verbal answers. 

At the entrance of the waiting hall, signs of senior service are set up to guide the elderly, and telephone numbers are left for them to call if needed.

“Seniors with reduced mobility can call in advance, and we also provide wheelchairs and specialized services,” said Dai Xing, a passenger transport attendant at Chongqing North Railway Station.

On January 5, Ren Que, a senior service team member, patiently answered passengers’ questions at Chongqing North Railway Station. (Photo / Long Fan)

The newly upgraded integrated service counter at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Terminal 3A is designed for the Spring Festival travel rush integrating information, caring service, and luggage packing. 

Three flight displays and light box signs have been added to facilitate passengers to find flight information. 

The airport has also added six mobile information staff to provide passengers with boarding guidance during peak departure hours on the departure floor and assist passengers in running check-in smoothly.

On January 3, an airport service assistant helped passengers check in their luggage at the T3A terminal of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo / Xie Xiaoxi)