China hopes the new “Silver Train” fleet encourages its seniors to travel and spend more
China will launch a special “silver train” fleet built specifically for the comfort and safety of older people to encourage its rapidly aging population to travel (and spend) more as it relates to demographic declines and stuttering economy Being in trouble.
According to the state-owned national tabloid Global Times, the berths on the new train will be tailor-made for older travelers and have features like handrails, oxygen cylinders and emergency call buttons.
There will also be paramedics and medical professionals on board who can provide limited treatment and prescribe emergency medication.
According to a plan released by China's Ministry of Commerce and Tourism and other government departments on Tuesday, the plan is to launch a national network of “Silver Train” in 2027.
China's huge rail network connects its icy northern province near Siberia to subtropical hills bordering Vietnam, according to state media reports.
By comparison, U.S. national rail operator Amtrak reported that in the last fiscal year, it had only loaded 32.8 million customers – a record.
As part of the Silver Train program, Chinese officials have also called on popular tourist attractions to upgrade their facilities to make them easier for older tourists to visit and invite catering brands and performance groups to serve the new train.
For decades, Chinese workers have ended their relatively small lives: men are 60 years old, and women are 50 years old at the earliest – despite last year's government announcements plans to postpone those ages.
The Global Times quoted Professor and Executive Editor of the Tourism Forum as saying: “The elderly, especially retired elderly people, have both time and financial resources.”
Grey Dollar
According to state media, trains are part of the government’s attempt to “promote consumption of services”, something the government is working hard to do among the younger generation struggling to cope with job insecurities and ongoing property recession.
Meanwhile, its elderly population is growing – the age of over 60 accounts for 22% of the total last year, while the working population is classified as a population between 16 and 59 years old.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, China currently has 1,860 tourist trains nationwide. Their main customers are middle-aged and older travelers, accounting for 80% of the fare.
Some railway companies have targeted silver-haired passengers.
A train recently departed from the southwestern city of Chengdu for a five-day sightseeing tour, offering elderly passengers a Chinese folk song and Bian Lian performance, or face to face – a traditional opera art involving The actor, quickly transfers his bright mask to the bright mask music.
According to CCTV, the train provides a magnificent view to travelers south, with views of Luoping in Yunnan Province and Malinghe Canyon in Jizhou Province.
“This train is more advanced in every way than other trains. It comes with a butler, a medical staff and a food truck. It has it all.
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