10月1日实行！纸质车票全面停用

Core Viewpoint - From October 1, 2023, paper train tickets and paper reimbursement vouchers will be officially phased out, replaced entirely by electronic invoices in China's railway system [1][3]. Group 1: Transition to Digital Invoices - The promotion of fully digital electronic invoices for railway passenger transport began on November 1, 2022, eliminating the need for passengers to print paper reimbursement vouchers at train stations or ticket offices [3][5]. - A transitional period was established, allowing for both paper and electronic vouchers until September 30, 2025, but this period is now concluding [3][5]. - After September 30, 2023, passengers will no longer be able to obtain paper reimbursement vouchers, as all transactions will be conducted electronically [5]. Group 2: Historical Context and Implementation - The move towards a paperless ticketing system began in 2018, with the first pilot of electronic tickets launched on the Hainan Ring High-speed Railway [5]. - By June 2020, electronic tickets were implemented nationwide, allowing passengers to travel using only their valid ID cards [5]. - The function of paper tickets as reimbursement vouchers will also be replaced by electronic invoices, marking a significant shift in the railway ticketing process [5]. Group 3: User Guidance for Electronic Invoices - Passengers can issue electronic invoices through the official railway 12306 app, which provides a step-by-step process for obtaining invoices after travel [12]. - It is important for passengers to apply for electronic invoices within 180 days after their journey or after paying for ticket changes or refunds [12]. - The electronic invoice system is currently limited to issuing invoices for the passenger's own tickets and does not support issuing for others [12].