Why does high-speed rail stop checking tickets three minutes early

High-Speed Rail Stoppage Three Minutes Early Sparks Controversy on Weibo

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15 October 2023

In a recent incident that has sparked intense discussion on Chinese social media platform Weibo, high-speed rail passengers have reported that they are being asked to board their trains three minutes early. The unusual practice has led to confusion and frustration among many travelers who believe it is an unnecessary inconvenience.

According to Su Ye Lu's microblog video, the reason given for this policy is safety concerns. Given the varying time at each platform, starting the train three minutes earlier allows passengers to reach their designated seats without causing delays or safety risks. However, many netizens have expressed dissatisfaction with this new rule, arguing that it unnecessarily adds stress and pressure to travelers.

One Weibo user commented, "I'm familiar with arriving 40 minutes to an hour early for unfamiliar places, but I'd rather get there early and sit down and wait than rush impatiently at the last minute like running without toilet paper." Another user expressed similar sentiments, saying, "Fearing that you would push or see a car move, it's not like the old green wheeled train. This thing, if you push on it, there will be life lost."

The policy has also raised questions about why passengers are required to arrive three hours early for flights and whether this early arrival time is necessary for high-speed rail travel as well. Some netizens have argued that the departure time should be advanced slightly to accommodate this new practice, with one user asking, "Why not ask why you need to be out three hours early for a flight? How early does one need to show up at East Chengdu Railway Station in order to board high-speed trains?"

Despite the controversy surrounding the policy, there are some who see the benefits of starting the train three minutes early. They believe that this practice allows for more efficient boarding and reduces congestion on the platform. However, others have countered that even a small delay can cause major inconvenience to passengers, particularly those with tight schedules or limited mobility.

In conclusion, while the high-speed rail policy of starting trains three minutes early may be intended to improve safety and efficiency, it has generated significant debate among Weibo netizens. As travelers continue to weigh the pros and cons, it remains to be seen whether this practice will become a permanent part of high-speed rail protocol or if adjustments will be made in response to passenger concerns.