Tourist trains to better serve silver economy

China plans to launch more special tourist trains for seniors as the country continues to promote services consumption, and the newly launched trains will not overlap with peak passenger periods such as the Spring Festival travel rush, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

Seniors generally have relatively flexible and ample leisure time, and the addition of tourist trains will make full use of nonpeak transportation periods to provide better services for elderly travelers, the ministry said.

"The launch of the special tourist trains for seniors represents a measure to further improve elderly friendly facilities and services and improve the well-being of the graying demographic, while the trains will also provide services for consumers of all age groups," said Kong Dejun, director of the department of trade in services and commerce services at the ministry.