Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Recently, the Guangzhou-Foshan South Ring and the Foshan-Dongguan intercity railways officially opened, connecting with the Dongguan-Huizhou and Foshan-Zhaoqing intercity railways. Additionally, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan cross-sea passage was also put into operation. The "one-hour commuting circle" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is rapidly taking shape. Could you please tell us what work the National Railway Administration has done to promote the "four-network integration of rail transit" and support development strategies for regions? What specific measures are being taken? Thank you.

Fei Dongbin:

Thank you for the question. The concept of integration of "the four networks" refers to the integration of trunk, intercity, suburban, and urban railways. It primarily focuses on the integration and connectivity of urban subway systems with intercity and suburban railways. As national-level strategies for regions are implemented, the demand for the integration of "the four networks" has increased. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have made specific deployments in strategic plans such as the Outline for Building China's Strength in Transport and the Outline for National Comprehensive Transport Network. The main challenge in achieving this integration is the lack of unified systems, standards, and management practices between subways and railways. To address these issues, we are coordinating with relevant departments and provinces. We've selected the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a pilot region to vigorously promote this integration effort. Our aim is to create a rail transit integration development model with Chinese characteristics.

Since the beginning of this year, we have supported and guided the opening of the Guangzhou-Foshan South Ring and the Foshan-Dongguan intercity railways, achieving the connection of four intercity railways. These new lines have integrated with the existing Foshan-Zhaoqing and Dongguan-Huizhou intercity railways, enabling operations with a similar function to buses across the network. At the same time, we've established a special work team in collaboration with relevant departments of Guangdong province, related enterprises and public institutions, and industry associations. We have jointly formulated an implementation plan with Guangdong province to advance the integration of "the four networks" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We are currently accelerating the implementation of this plan and, on this basis, developing industry standards with Chinese characteristics to guide "four-network integration" initiatives across the country.

Next, building on the pilot project in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, we will coordinate the promotion of "four-network integration" on a larger scale, vigorously advancing regional integrated development to better serve the implementation of major national strategies. We will focus on connecting facilities, ensuring ticketing system interoperability, establishing mutual trust in security checks, sharing information, and coordinating management.

In terms of facility connectivity, we will concentrate on the interconnectivity needs of multiple operating entities and multi-level rail transit. We'll draw up technical standards for the connectivity of infrastructure, locomotives, passenger transport vehicles, traction power supply, and communication signals while also researching to build interconnectivity access rules.

In terms of ticketing system interoperability, we will establish relevant standards for system interoperability and payment compatibility. We'll develop an implementation plan for ticketing system interoperability projects and actively promote a "one-time ticket purchase, one-time payment" service model.

In terms of mutual trust in security checks, we will promote the coordination and mutual recognition of railway and subway security check standards. We'll also improve transfer conditions, upgrade and strengthen security check facilities and equipment, and further streamline security check processes.

Regarding information sharing, we will explore mechanisms and channels for open data sharing. We'll establish standards for data collection and data security management, as well as promote the open sharing of various types of information.

In terms of coordinated management, we aim to develop and refine relevant institutional measures. This includes improving licensing for railway transport infrastructure, vehicles, and driver qualifications. We'll also promote management interoperability between railways and subways in areas such as equipment utilization, operational organization, and personnel management.

Thank you.