China plans to customize rail services for elderly

China plans to solicit opinions from the public regarding the demand for special tourist trains for the elderly, and the provision of customized services in various forms, said a new guideline published by nine departments on Tuesday.

As China continues to expand large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs, the government plans to incorporate the transformation of trains designed for senior travelers into the scope of the programs, according to the guideline issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and China State Railway Group Co Ltd.

Specifically, the country plans to retrofit tourist trains to make it elderly friendly, with green and comfortable travel products, as well as develop themed routes and products for the trains, the guideline said.

Besides, the government will support the establishment and improvement of communication and cooperation mechanisms between the tourist trains and scenic spots in various regions, and encourage sightseeing spots to provide services such as reservations, green channels, transportation connections and reception services for senior travelers.