High-speed train passengers in China can now order food online

Passengers on high-speed trains in China are now able to sample greater food varieties, now that a new online pre-ordering service has taken effect July 17, 2017, reports thepaper.cn.

The new service is being piloted in 27 provincial and regional capitals for the passengers taking the G or D-bullet trains.

A Chinese passenger uses the mobile app of China Rail's official website 12306.cn to pre-order his meal for high-speed rail travel in Beijing, China, July 17, 2017. [Photo: IC]

Passengers are now able to order meals once their tickets are booked the rail system's 12306.cn, the official ticket-booking website, or its App. They can now choose between the traditional meals offered on the trains, or meals from restaurants in partnership with the railway stations in the 27 cities.

For passengers who bought tickets at the railway station or though the phone, ticket agents or ticket vending machines, they can also order meals by logging on to 12306.cn.

After successfully ordering the meals, the food will be delivered to the passengers' seats by train station staff.

All the fees, including delivery costs, are paid through either Alipay or WeChat.

A Chinese passenger browses the site of China Rail's official website 12306.cn to pre-order his meal for high-speed rail travel in Beijing, China, July 17, 2017. [Photo: IC]

It's been reported passengers travelling through the Shanghai Hongqiao station can currently choose from various options, including Chinese Yonghe King, Zhengongfu, as well as western options such as KFC.

The China Railway Corporation is reportedly working to add more restaurants to its online platform.

The move comes as the CRC attempts to reduce complaints about the food service on the high-speed trains, which has been criticized for its poor taste and high prices.