Elderly passengers get discounts on China's railways

China's national railway operator introduced additional off-peak ticket discounts for elderly passengers from Friday.

According to the China State Railway Group, the preferential service will apply to passengers aged 60 and above who buy tickets for selected high-speed trains running between May 29 and June 30 during midweek periods, defined as from noon on Mondays to noon on Fridays. The offer will not apply during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday travel period from June 18 to 22.

Eligible passengers will be able to enjoy further discounts on top of existing ticket price reductions, according to the group.

The service will be available to elderly passengers who purchase tickets using valid identity documents, including resident identity cards, residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents, travel permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents to enter the mainland, foreign permanent resident ID cards, temporary identity certificates and household registration booklets.

The National Immigration Administration said the move reflects broader efforts to make travel documents more convenient to use for public services, pledging to continue the wider application of entry and exit documents in everyday scenarios.

According to the administration, residence permits and travel permits held by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents, as well as foreign permanent resident ID cards, also known as Five-Star Cards, can be used for convenient real-name authentication and verification for services such railways, civil aviation and hotel accommodation.

By including multiple types of entry and exit documents in the discount program, the railway sector is further expanding practical access to public travel services for different groups of passengers, authorities said.