Core Viewpoint - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season is expected to witness unprecedented passenger flow, with significant increases in various transportation metrics, highlighting the need for effective management and safety measures [2][3]. Group 1: Passenger Flow Predictions - Total cross-regional passenger flow is projected to reach a historical high of 9.5 billion trips during the Spring Festival [2]. - Daily average passenger flow during the 9-day holiday is expected to hit 299 million, marking a new record for the holiday period [2]. - The peak single-day passenger flow is anticipated to occur on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, with an estimated 340 million trips [2]. - Daily traffic on highways is forecasted to peak at 71 million vehicles, setting a new historical record [2]. - The total number of electric vehicle trips is expected to reach 380 million, also a historical high for the same period [2]. Group 2: Transportation Capacity and Safety Measures - The transportation department is prepared with sufficient capacity, planning to increase train frequencies and improve information sharing for efficient transport connections [3]. - Key transport hubs will enhance capacity based on passenger flow changes, employing strategies such as extended operating hours and reduced intervals between departures [3]. - The department aims to support travel demand in popular tourist cities by promoting charter services and direct tourist transport options [4]. Group 3: Car Rental Market Growth - The rental car market is expected to see a double-digit growth in daily order volume during the Spring Festival compared to the previous year [6]. - Measures to ensure adequate supply include optimizing vehicle allocation and increasing availability in high-demand areas such as tourist destinations and transport hubs [6]. - Enhanced services will be provided, including options for one-way rentals, 24-hour self-service, and safety measures for vehicles, particularly in adverse weather conditions [6]. Group 4: Travel Benefits and Experience Enhancement - From February 15 to 23, 2026, tolls for small passenger vehicles (7 seats or fewer) on national highways will be waived, continuing a trend from previous years [7]. - Travelers are advised to plan routes in advance and utilize various channels for real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion [7]. - Safety reminders emphasize cautious driving, especially in adverse weather conditions, and adherence to traffic regulations [8]. Group 5: Emergency Preparedness - The transportation department will enhance collaboration with meteorological agencies to issue timely weather warnings and implement proactive safety measures [9]. - Key transport routes will have contingency plans for high passenger volumes, including ticket pre-sale and reservation systems for ferry services [9]. - Safety management for passenger and cargo transport will be prioritized, with a focus on regulatory compliance and emergency response readiness [9].

Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival travel season will begin on February 2, which is later than previous years, and will include a 9-day holiday period, leading to a significant increase in passenger flow [1] - The Ministry of Transport has projected record-high passenger flow during this year's Spring Festival, with total cross-regional movement expected to reach 9.5 billion trips [1] Passenger Flow Projections - Total cross-regional passenger flow is expected to reach a historical high of 9.5 billion trips during the Spring Festival [1] - Daily average cross-regional passenger flow during the 9-day holiday is projected to be 299 million trips, potentially setting a new record [1] - The peak single-day passenger flow is anticipated to occur on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, with an estimated 340 million trips [1] - Daily peak traffic on highways is expected to reach 71 million vehicles, marking a historical high [1] - The total number of electric vehicle trips is projected to reach 380 million, also a record for the same period [1] Transportation Measures - The Ministry of Transport plans to enhance capacity by extending operating hours, reducing intervals between departures, and adjusting flexible capacity based on passenger flow [2] - 48 train stations nationwide have implemented mutual recognition of security checks with urban rail transit [2] - For popular tourist cities and attractions, the ministry will encourage companies to increase transportation capacity through charter buses and direct tourist services [2] Car Rental Trends - Self-driving trips have become the main mode of travel, with car rentals also gaining popularity; the average daily order volume for car rentals is expected to see double-digit growth compared to last year [3] - The ministry will focus on three areas to support car rentals: increasing supply, enhancing services, and ensuring safety [3] - Initiatives include optimizing vehicle allocation, providing one-way rental services, and promoting convenient rental options [3] Safety and Weather Preparedness - The Ministry of Transport emphasizes the importance of safety during the Spring Festival, especially in light of potential adverse weather conditions [6] - Measures will include collaboration with meteorological departments for timely weather alerts and proactive safety measures [6] - The ministry will also implement safety management for passenger transport and ensure emergency response capabilities are in place [6]