China's railways embrace e-invoices in push for digital services

In a significant move highlighting its commitment to digital advancement, China will phase out paper-based passenger train tickets starting October. China Railway Group (CR) announced on Monday that digital invoices will become the standard for all rail travel.

Travelers will no longer receive paper reimbursement vouchers. Instead, they can request and download digital invoices for their journey, including any fees for refunds or ticket changes. This can be done within 180 days of their trip through the official 12306 online platform, ticket counters at railway stations, or self-service kiosks.

To ensure inclusivity, the railway authority has also introduced measures to assist passengers with limited or no internet access. These travelers can apply for digital invoices in person at train stations or by an authorized third party online.

Passengers can retrieve their invoices via the 12306 platform, the income tax app, or email. For added convenience, travelers may request reissuance of invoices up to three times within the 180-day window in case of errors or changes to their information.

Although paper tickets are being retired, passengers who prefer a physical record may print a journey information note at station counters and self-service machines. This document serves only as a travel reminder and cannot be used as a ticket or reimbursement voucher.

China first announced its plan to gradually retire paper tickets in 2018.