The State Economic and Trade Commission (SETC) recently issued a notice asking local governments and departments to ensure transportation safety during the Spring Festival travel season, which starts January 21 and ends February 29.

During these 40 days, over 1.6 billion Chinese are expected to travel in the country for the traditional holiday marking the Chinese Lunar New Year. This year's Spring Festival falls on February 5.

According to estimations, some 129 million passengers will take trains during the period, an increase of five percent over the same period last year, while the passenger volume for highway and air traffic will reach 1.4 billion and 6.8 million respectively.

During the period, the transport departments should provide additional transportation means, said the notice, adding that local governments should set up effective communication channels and prepare for any emergencies.

The notice also urged departments to pay attention to the overloading of long-distance shuttle buses, citing this as a safety hazard. It stipulated that those violating rules will be punished.