Core Insights - The Ministry of Transport held a press conference on April 24 to discuss the economic operation of the transportation sector in the first quarter of the year, highlighting significant growth in various areas, including international cruise transportation and freight volume [1][2][4]. Group 1: Cruise Transportation - In the first quarter, China's international cruise market operated 16 ships with 141 voyages, transporting 328,000 passengers, a 67.8% increase year-on-year, with a notable 145.6% increase during the Spring Festival [2]. - The Ministry is focused on expanding cruise routes and enhancing cruise products, planning to implement further measures to promote cruise transportation [2]. Group 2: Age Regulations for Drivers - The Ministry is addressing the age limit for road transport drivers, as the new regulation allows drivers of large vehicles to apply until the age of 63, effective January 1, 2025. The Ministry is considering adjusting the age limit for road transport qualifications [3]. - The Ministry is actively working on the adjustment of the working age for road transport personnel following the announcement of a gradual retirement age increase [3]. Group 3: Transportation Economic Performance - In the first quarter, the total port cargo throughput reached 4.22 billion tons, a 3.2% year-on-year increase, with domestic and foreign trade growing by 4.1% and 1.4%, respectively [4]. - The fixed asset investment in transportation was 675.2 billion yuan, maintaining a high level, with significant growth in railway and waterway investments [4]. Group 4: Major Projects and Infrastructure - The Ministry has planned 20 major projects and 45 significant projects, including the New Tibet Railway and the new airport in the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou), aiming for construction to start within the year [4][5]. - The Ministry is also focusing on enhancing rural road infrastructure, planning to build or renovate 100,000 kilometers of rural roads this year [6][7]. Group 5: Safety and Risk Management - The Ministry is implementing a comprehensive risk management system for road safety during the flood season, focusing on preemptive measures and dynamic updates to risk assessments [6][7]. - The Ministry aims to improve rural road safety and infrastructure, including the renovation of 3,000 dangerous bridges and the implementation of safety protection projects over 50,000 kilometers [6][7].