Phoenix TV:

We are particularly interested in the support of transportation in rural areas. As we continue to build the rural road network, how can the transportation support services be improved in rural areas? Thank you.

Li Yang: 

Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Ms. Wang to answer this.

Wang Xiuchun: 

Thank you for your interest in transportation services. Over the years, we have continuously strengthened the rural road network. We have focused on improving transportation services in rural areas from the perspectives of both passengers and freight, constantly perfecting our service network, improving our service system and enhancing service quality.

In terms of rural passenger transportation, we have taken three major steps to address the travel needs of rural residents. First, we have aimed to ensure accessibility. By developing urban-rural bus services, passenger transport routes and customized passenger services, we have extended the rural passenger transport network. As my colleague mentioned earlier, by 2020, all townships and administrative villages that meet certain conditions had access to bus services. Over the past decade, more than 45,000 new administrative villages have been connected by bus services. Second, we have focused on retention. As the public now has more travel options, the passenger flow in rural transportation has significantly decreased, making stable operations challenging. We have continuously optimized management policies and adjusted subsidy methods to promote the integration of rural passenger transport with related industries, ensuring sustainable and stable operations. Third, we have strived for quality connectivity. We have encouraged rural passenger transportation companies to innovate service models, operate market-day and busy-season routes, and implement integrated urban-rural public transportation, catering to the diverse travel needs of rural residents. Additionally, various service outlets have been set up in passenger transport stations, expanding services such as parcel collection and delivery, financial telecommunications, and e-commerce exhibition sales, providing comprehensive and diverse services to rural residents.

In rural freight logistics, we have focused on three main areas to address the development bottlenecks in rural logistics. First, we have aimed to expand coverage. We strongly support the construction of rural logistics nodes, continuously improving the network system and service functions to build the "core strength" of rural logistics development. Second, we have created new models. Supporting local efforts to explore ways of development based on unique regional advantages, we have now established over 150 rural logistics service brands with demonstrative significance, achieving integrated development of rural logistics, industry and e-commerce. Third, we have cultivated strong entities. We guide leading logistics companies to accelerate the expansion of service networks in rural areas, promote the integration of market resources, and build a shared distribution system, reducing end-stage delivery costs in rural areas by about 15% in provinces like Zhejiang, Hunan and Sichuan through successful explorations and trials.

Next, we will continue to monitor the evolving needs of rural transportation services, implement multiple measures and consistently enhance the quality and efficiency of these services, helping rural areas achieve the vision of "smooth and convenient passenger and freight transport" sooner. Thank you.