Train driver's notebooks record history

Difference in Spring Festival travel rush

In his first notebook, he wrote: "Too many passengers, from all walks of life. It was hard to board a train. Some use poles to carry luggage, backing big bags, running to catch a train. Waiting for all to get onboard and then start."

He still remembered the noisy, crowded scene on the platform and trains pulled by steam locomotives. He might find some shoes, hats or luggage left by passengers on the platform, and he would give these things to owners before starting. Sometimes, the trains could not run on time.

"The steam locomotive pulls carriages in green; the diesel locomotive pulls carriages in red that are air-conditioned. It became much more convenient for passengers to go home in shorter time," Yu wrote down the note.

More trains would be arranged to meet the Spring Festival travel rush. Yu, as a train driver, had to work more and had little time to spend with family during Spring Festival.

"I am on duty for the Spring Festival of 2002." Yu recalled there were lots of passengers in line on platforms, but the order was better.

Now, the trains are faster and equipped with more advanced devices. WiFi service is available on trains and facial recognition technology is used for passengers to enter the station.