Passengers have their tickets checked at the Zhengzhou Railway Station in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, Feb. 6, 2013. China's transport system sees an annual travel rush around the Spring Festival, which starts on Feb. 10 this year. (Xinhua/Li Bo) |
A deputy of the National People's Congress (NPC) has suggested free rail travel during major four festivals to especially benefit the low-income groups, the "New Press Daily" reports.
Zhu Lieyu, lawyer and deputy of the NPC, said since private sedan owners can drive on expressways for free during the Spring Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, Labor Day holiday and the National Day holiday, those who can't afford private cars should enjoy free rail travel during these holidays.
According to China's Property Law, infrastructures such as expressways, railways and pipelines are the assets of the state. State assets are also the assets of the people. Thus, people have the right to share the bonus and participate in operation and management of state assets, explained Zhu.
In response to argument that free transportation will cause over-crowding and congestion, Zhu said the problems are caused by bad organization, the policy itself should not be blamed. Railway stations should distribute tickets to control the number of passengers.
Except high-speed and D-series trains, all other trains can distribute free tickets during holidays. Related authorities should hire more staff and coordinate free and charged rail lines to avoid over-crowding.
As the annual sessions of China's National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference draw near, deputies across the nation have started to gather in Beijing and will issue new proposals during the political event.
Special Lantern Festival in Shaanxi Women's Prison