China’s high-speed railway launched its online food ordering services on July 17 and many passengers used the huge selection of food on wheels to fill their tummies.
The service, which covers 27 main stations across the nation, allows passengers to order meals prepared on the trains as well as from local restaurants via China’s train ticket booking website and its mobile app. The meal should be ordered two hours prior to boarding time, and will be sent to passengers by railway staff.
The service has intrigued many first movers, who cannot wait to try the pilot scheme. Journalists from People’s Daily have broadcast the food ordering process live online, attracting over half a million views as of press time.
On the train from Jinan to Beijing, passengers can order food from five restaurants, which offer over 30 combos. According to news portal cnr.cn, the prices are the same as they are in the restaurants, but the railway company will charge a small eight yuan delivery fee. In addition, there is small two yuan fee for the extra packaging. The service is available from 10am to 8pm, but breakfast service may soon be available.
According to media reports, the food is prepared at least 15 minutes before departure time and railway staff will use a specially-designed container that locks in heat to ensure the texture and flavor of the food.
The service has been well received by the public. Many netizens say they will try the new service, as it makes trips easier and more enjoyable.
“I think the service is very considerate. Before we could only choose food offered by the railway, but now we can enjoy more delicious food during a trip. China’s logistics industry is quite remarkable,” a netizen said.