Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou East Station has removed instant noodles from its stores, sparking public debate. This decision is based on the National Railway Group's guidelines, which classify instant noodles as potentially harmful to train hygiene [1] Group 1: Policy Changes - The removal of instant noodles applies to multiple stations, including Guangzhou East Station and Baiyun Station, which will now offer alternatives like tossed noodles and mixed noodles [1] - Passengers are still allowed to bring instant noodles on board, but consumption in the train carriage is discouraged [1] Group 2: Public Reaction - Supporters argue that the smell of instant noodles can affect public spaces and pose safety risks [1] - Critics point out that other food items also have odors, and that high-speed train dining options are limited and expensive [1] Group 3: Service Improvement - The initiative to eliminate instant noodles is viewed as an opportunity to upgrade high-speed train dining services, but it is essential to consider the diverse needs of passengers [1] - The railway department is encouraged to further optimize services to meet varied dining preferences among travelers [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent ban on instant noodles in high-speed train stations in Guangzhou and Shanghai reflects a broader trend towards enhancing the dining experience and maintaining cleanliness in train environments, but it has sparked significant public debate regarding the implications for affordability and passenger comfort [1][3][5]. Group 1: Policy Changes - Guangzhou East Station and other high-speed train stations have stopped selling instant noodles, replacing them with alternatives like mixed noodles and tossed noodles, following guidelines from the National Railway Group [1][3]. - The rationale behind this policy is to improve the overall service quality and environment of high-speed trains, as instant noodles are considered to potentially disrupt the cleanliness of enclosed train spaces [1][3]. Group 2: Public Reaction - Public opinion is divided; some support the ban, arguing that the strong smell of instant noodles can affect the comfort of other passengers in the shared space of a train [3][5]. - Critics argue that the ban is selective, pointing out that other strong-smelling snacks like durian and stinky tofu are still available, raising questions about the consistency of enforcement [3][5]. Group 3: Economic Considerations - The ban on instant noodles is seen as part of a larger issue regarding food pricing on high-speed trains, where meals can cost significantly more than instant noodles, making them less accessible for budget-conscious travelers [5][7]. - Many passengers, particularly students and workers, view instant noodles as an affordable option for long journeys, contrasting with the higher-priced meals offered on trains [5][7]. Group 4: Suggestions for Improvement - Suggestions have been made to create designated eating areas with ventilation to address the smell issue while still allowing passengers to enjoy affordable food options [7]. - The emphasis is on improving service quality and offering a wider range of reasonably priced food options to meet the needs of all passengers, rather than solely focusing on eliminating instant noodles [7].