Cheaper tickets called for

As the Spring Festival gets ever closer, it's that time of year when families are starting to think about buying train tickets. Travelling as a family can always be costly and the internet has been full of debate in recent weeks, over the price of train tickets. An online poll has now been launched, calling for cheaper standing-room tickets on Chinese trains.

For most migrant workers, getting a ticket for home involves a certain amount of luck, amid the chaos of the annual travel rush.

But the journey itself is a test of stamina and pure physical endurance.

"Every year, I have to stand for 9 hours on the journey home. But I have no choice, I want to go home."

Its business-as-usual at railway stations, as China gears up for the world's largest annual population flow. Many migrant workers have limited internet access so that means lining up to queue, and a long wait.

And with only standing-room tickets available from the station, the compalints are rising.

"I paid the full price but have no seat, it's unfair."

But there are some different opinions.

"It is fair I think, because the ticket supply is limited."

Last week, one microblogger called on authorities to sell standing-room tickets at half price. It sparked a huge debate.

A recent poll on micro-blogging site Weibo shows that over 93% of netizens agree.

Supporters say half price is reasonable because standing-room tickets are mostly brought by migrant workers.

But opponents say such a move would cause problems for ticket sales.... and that vacated seats always end up being taken by people with standing-room tickets anyway.

On Tuesday, there comes a response to the call, the ministry of railways said prices will NOT be reduced, and that price is mainly defined by distance.

It's not stopped the growing calls for a reduction.

Han Zheng, lawyer of Shanghai Jinmao Law Firm, said,"Seated passengers enjoy a better service than those with standing-room tickets. I think the prices should be differentiated."

But China's railway authorities also say that the sale of standing-room tickets is a compromise, to deal with mounting pressure on China's rail network at busy times of the year.

It seems we can't expect to see specific rules on ticket prices just yet.