China's railway system is expanding its "Quiet Car" service. Starting February 1, the service will be extended to most "D" and "G" series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, excluding sleeper EMUs. This expansion will increase the number of trains offering "Quiet Cars" nationwide to over 8,000.
What is a Quiet Car?
A "Quiet Car" is a designated coach where measures are taken to minimize noise, creating a more peaceful travel environment for passengers who wish to rest, read, or work. Introduced in December 2020 as a pilot program on select lines, the service has gained popularity and is now being rolled out more widely.
How does it work?
Environment: Audio announcements are played at a lower volume, and onboard video entertainment systems are muted. The doors at the ends of the Quiet Car are set to automatic mode to reduce noise. Cars feature clear "Quiet Car" signage.
Service: Staff provide services in soft voices and offer disposable earplugs to passengers upon request.
Passenger Responsibility: Passengers voluntarily agree to a "Quiet Agreement" when purchasing tickets. This includes:
Keeping conversations quiet and moving gently.
Setting phones and electronic devices to silent or vibrate.
Stepping out of the car to take calls or have conversations.
Using headphones with electronic devices.
Supervising children to prevent noise.
Enforcement: Train staff will provide friendly reminders to passengers who unintentionally disturb the quiet environment.
How to book a ticket?
Passengers can select "Quiet Car" tickets via the Railway 12306 website, mobile app, or ticket vending machines.
On the booking page, trains offering this service are marked with a "静" (Quiet) character. To proceed, passengers must check the box agreeing to the "Please prioritize assigning me a seat in the 'Quiet Car'" option and accept the Quiet Agreement.
The expansion is a response to growing passenger demand for differentiated travel experiences. With more trains offering this option, travelers can better choose an environment that suits their journey, whether for work, relaxation, or quiet contemplation.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | CCTV.com
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
