The Ministry of Railway (MOR) announced yesterday that it will establish a strict assessment system, seeking to improve punctuality of departure and arrival times for trains, Beijing Business Today reported today.
Wang Yongping, MOR spokesman, said that irresistible natural disasters such as floods, rain, heavy fog, and snow storms, account for most disturbances of normal railway operation.
There were a total 70 railway breakdowns caused by floods in July. In case of a delay, railway stations and the train must inform passengers of the situation and make explanations and apologies, Wang said.
Last month, some 99.7 percent of passenger trains started on time and 98.7 percent arrived punctually nationwide. Meanwhile, the departure and arrival punctuality rates for high-speed trains were 99.9 percent and 99 percent respectively.
The railway ministry has required every department to calculate accurately and strive to bring overall punctuality rates to 99.9 percent for departures and 99.5 percent for arrivals.
Additionally, in case of long-term postponement, the passengers' safety, health, and foods should be a primary concern, and the rail station must actively help them with ticket refunds or exchanges.