Transport ministry working overtime to smooth out traffic flow

China's transportation authorities have stepped up efforts to to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the delivery of medical supplies to combat the viral pneumonia outbreak.

Liu Xiaoming, vice-minister of transport, said on Monday at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office that the country's transportation system has witnessed a sharp decrease during the Spring Festival travel rush compared with previous years.

Total passenger trips slumped nearly 86 percent to 13.2 million on Saturday, the eighth day of the lunar new year, from the day last year based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

As local transport authorities work with health departments to regulate traffic flow and check body temperatures of passengers, people might run into traffic congestion at some entry and exit points in expressways and provincial borders, he said, adding the ministry will streamline health checks to enhance efficiency and shorten waiting times for drivers.

The ministry has also taken measures to prioritize transportation of emergency supplies and living necessities to aid control of the outbreak, according to Liu.

As of Sunday, the ministry has mobilized over 17,000 emergency transportation vehicles to deliver medical supplies and other necessities, including masks, thermometers and protective clothing. China Post Group Corporation organized more than 32,000 postal vehicles, as well as chartered flight services, to deliver over 49,000 boxes of medical supplies.