Core Viewpoint - The investigation by the Jiangsu Consumer Rights Protection Committee reveals that third-party train ticket platforms' "acceleration packages" do not actually enhance the chances of successfully purchasing tickets, as all requests must ultimately queue through the official 12306 system [1][3][11]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - Nine third-party ticket platforms were investigated, all claiming that purchasing "acceleration packages" would increase ticket success rates, but the actual experience showed that 12306 was the first to issue tickets [1][3]. - The prices for these "acceleration packages" range from 48 yuan to 60 yuan, marketed under various names such as "all-in-one ticket" and "reassured ticket" [1][5]. - 12306's official customer service confirmed that they do not provide acceleration services and that ticket allocation is based on the order of submission [1][3]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Reactions - Over 30% of surveyed consumers expressed doubts about the effectiveness of "acceleration packages," yet many still purchase them due to anxiety about ticket availability [8]. - Consumers indicated that the pressure to secure tickets leads them to consider these packages, even if they are aware of their questionable efficacy [9]. Group 3: Legal Perspectives - Lawyers indicated that if third-party platforms exaggerate the effectiveness of "acceleration packages," they could be liable for false advertising and unfair competition [2][11]. - The legal experts emphasized that if these services do not provide real benefits and mislead consumers, they could be considered fraudulent and subject to administrative or criminal penalties [11].

Core Insights - The investigation by Jiangsu Consumer Protection Committee reveals consumer concerns and behaviors regarding third-party train ticket booking platforms, especially during peak travel seasons like the National Day holiday [1][2]. Group 1: Survey Methodology - The survey utilized a combination of online questionnaires, offline experiences, and analysis of service agreements and public sentiment, collecting 4,507 valid online responses and covering nine major platforms [2][3]. Group 2: Consumer Usage Patterns - Over 91% of respondents have used third-party ticket booking platforms, with the highest frequency of use being 3-5 times and 6-10 times per year, aligning with weekend and holiday travel [3][4]. Group 3: Success Rates and Security Concerns - More than 52% of respondents chose third-party platforms for their higher success rates, while concerns about software risks and information security were the main reasons for not using these services [4][5]. - Approximately 70% of users rated the success rate of these platforms as average to high, indicating a demand for effective ticket booking solutions [5][6]. Group 4: Acceleration Packages - Over half of the respondents occasionally purchase acceleration packages, but nearly 38% doubt their effectiveness, suggesting a psychological pressure to buy despite skepticism [5][6]. - Nearly 49% of users are willing to pay between 10-30 yuan for acceleration packages, indicating a preference for low to moderate spending [5][6]. Group 5: User Satisfaction and Complaints - Overall satisfaction with third-party platforms exceeds 70%, but issues such as poor refund and exchange experiences, misleading consumption practices, and inaccurate ticket availability were significant sources of dissatisfaction [5][6]. - More than half of the respondents identified hidden consumption traps, such as default selections for additional services, as a major concern [6][7]. Group 6: Information Security Issues - Over 40% of respondents expressed concerns about personal information security during the ticket booking process, with excessive data collection being a prominent issue [6][7]. Group 7: Discrepancies in Service Expectations - Experience surveys indicated that the actual ticket booking results often did not meet consumer expectations, leading to disputes over fees, particularly in multi-segment ticketing [6][7]. Group 8: Recommendations for Improvement - Platforms are encouraged to enhance self-regulation, improve service quality, and ensure transparent pricing for additional services, while regulatory bodies should strengthen oversight to protect consumer rights [6][7][8].