New Summer Car Transport Service by Rail Enhances Travel

China's railway system has launched an innovative summer car transport service aimed at enhancing travel to popular tourist destinations. This initiative is designed to simplify family trips and significantly reduce costs for travelers.

With this new service, travelers will have their cars transported separately by train, allowing them to reach their chosen destinations by either train or plane before reuniting with their vehicles.

One such traveler, Ms. Zhang Rui from Chongqing, had been planning a self-driving journey to Lhasa with her child. However, she found the long distances and difficult road conditions daunting.

Zhang noted, 'The one-way self-driving trip from Chongqing to Lhasa covers over 2,000 kilometers and would take four to five days if I drove myself. I'd find it quite tiring, and the road conditions are challenging.'

Upon discovering the new railway car transport service, Zhang quickly reserved a spot for her pickup truck to be transported by train, while she would travel to Lhasa either by train or plane.

'Transporting my truck from Chongqing to Lhasa by rail costs 4,400 yuan, or about $616. This option saves me over 40 percent compared to self-driving, considering fuel, tolls, and accommodation expenses while also saving valuable time,' Zhang added.

According to Jian Changyan, an official at the Chongqing Railway Logistics Center, a dedicated railway car transport line has been established for the summer vacation, operating two trips per week with a travel time of six to eight days.

Additionally, car transport services have been initiated from Lhasa to various cities, including Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Chongqing railway official Zhang Yuliang explained the safety procedures, stating that the vehicle's exterior is thoroughly inspected, including checks for prohibited items inside. After these checks, a handover form is signed and the car is prepared for transport.

'Staff responsible for cargo transport safety then drive the vehicles to designated loading areas for transportation,' Zhang clarified.

The simplicity and efficiency of this process have gained positive feedback, offering tourists an enhanced level of flexibility in planning their self-driving trips.