Core Viewpoint - The transition to a fully digital ticketing system in China's railway sector is set to take place on November 1, 2024, marking the end of paper train tickets, which has sparked emotional responses from the public regarding the sentimental value of physical tickets [1][2]. Group 1: Digital Transition - The railway department will promote a comprehensive digital electronic invoice service for passenger tickets starting November 1, 2024, allowing travelers to apply for electronic invoices online without needing to print paper tickets [1]. - The transition period for electronic invoices will last from November 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, after which paper reimbursement vouchers will be completely phased out [1][2]. - The move towards digital tickets is seen as a product of technological advancement, providing convenience such as avoiding queues and reducing the risk of ticket loss [2]. Group 2: Emotional Value of Paper Tickets - Despite the efficiency of digital tickets, the emotional value associated with paper train tickets remains significant, as they represent personal journeys and memories for many individuals [2]. - Paper tickets have been described as a unique memory carrier that combines public and private significance, distinguishing them from other traditional paper mediums that have disappeared [2]. - The emotional connection to paper tickets is likened to other sentimental items, such as stamps and boat tickets, which evoke nostalgia and personal stories [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Railway Department - It is suggested that the railway department should consider maintaining a "paper certificate application window" at stations for those who wish to obtain paper tickets for sentimental reasons, balancing digital efficiency with emotional needs [3]. - Learning from international practices, the railway department could offer commemorative ticket printing services, which would respect diverse customer needs while minimizing resource waste [4]. - Innovations such as allowing travelers to generate and customize their travel records and commemorative tickets through a digital platform could help meet emotional demands while retaining the benefits of digital convenience [5].

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].

▲微博热搜截图 根据铁路部门规定，9月30日之后，纸质报销凭证将全面停用，由电子发票取代。不少网友 发起一波回忆杀，纷纷晒出自己的纸质火车票。 ▲ 纸质报销凭证 图 源 "中国铁路" 去年 11 月 1 日起，我国铁路客运开始推广使用全面数字化的电子发票，旅客若要报销， 不再需要到火车站、车票代售点、自助机上打印铁路车票，也就是纸质报销凭证，直接在线 上就能开具电子发票。 9 月 1 日，"纸质火车票将正式退出历史舞台"的话题登上热搜，引发关注。 ▲ 纸质行程信息单 如何开具火车电子发票？ 火车电子发票目前仅支持通过铁路12306官方渠道办理。以铁路12306APP为例： ▲ 电子发票 不过，为了方便旅客和单位，铁路客运在全面数字化电子发票推行使用期间设置了过渡期， 过渡期截至 2025 年 9 月 30 日。过渡期内"纸电并行"，旅客仍可使用纸质报销凭证报 销。 如今，过渡期还有一个月就要结束，纸质火车票也将正式退出历史舞台。 据封面新闻消息， 8 月 31 日，记者向铁路 12306 确认， 9 月 30 日之后旅客就没有办 法再领取纸质报销凭证。"目前纸质报销凭证只开具到 9 月 30 日，之后车站就不 ...

Core Viewpoint - The transition from paper train tickets to fully digital electronic invoices will be completed by September 30, 2025, marking the end of paper tickets in China’s railway system [3][4][6]. Group 1: Transition to Digital Invoices - Starting from November 1, 2024, the use of electronic invoices will be promoted for railway passenger transport, eliminating the need for paper reimbursement vouchers [5]. - A transitional period allowing both paper and electronic vouchers will end on September 30, 2025, after which only electronic invoices will be available [5][6]. Group 2: Historical Context - The move towards a paperless ticketing system began in November 2018 with the pilot of electronic tickets on the Hainan Ring High-speed Railway [9]. - By June 2020, electronic tickets were implemented nationwide, allowing passengers to travel using only their identification documents [9]. Group 3: User Guidance - Passengers can still print trip information slips from self-service machines, which contain all necessary travel details, even after the discontinuation of paper tickets [9]. - Electronic invoices can be requested online through the 12306 account after the journey or after paying for ticket changes within 180 days [15].