The Revival of the Chengdu-Chongqing Bus Service: It's Not About a Decline in Consumption, but About Finally Getting the “Door-to-Door” Calculation Right
Hello everyone, I'm your financial journalist. Recently, there's been an interesting development: the intercity bus service between Chengdu and Chongqing has resumed, and the fare is only 50 yuan, with the buses always full.
Many people's first reaction was, “Oh, does that mean people are running out of money, and consumption has declined?”
But I have to say, that conclusion is too hasty. If it were just because of the lower price, the bus service, which used to cost 77 yuan, would have started operating again long ago. So why was it discontinued in the first place?
Today, let's not talk about complex economic theories. Instead, let's break down this issue in simple terms and see what's really behind it.
1. Don’t Just Focus on the Time Spent in the Bus; Calculate the Actual “Door-to-Door” Time
In the past, when comparing modes of transport, we often focused on how long the journey took in the vehicle. The high-speed train takes 1.5 hours, while the bus takes 3 hours. At first glance, the train seems to win.
But in real life, our trips don’t start from the train station. We set off from our homes and need to get to a specific destination in the other city—perhaps a friend’s house, the office, or a shopping mall.
- The real process of taking the high-speed train:
1. Take a bus or taxi from home to the train station (30-40 minutes).
2. Go through security checks and wait for the train (30-40 minutes).
3. Travel by train for 1.5 hours.
4. Get off the train and find out the station is in the suburbs; then take a subway or taxi into the city (30-40 minutes).
Total time: Nearly 3 hours.
- The real process of taking the new bus:
1. Walk a few steps out of the subway station and board the bus (5 minutes).
2. Travel by bus for 3 hours.
3. Get off the bus and arrive directly in the city center or a university area, where you can go to your destination (5 minutes).
Total time: A little over 3 hours.
Conclusion: The train is fast “inside the vehicle,” but it’s slow because of all the extra time spent at the beginning and end of the journey. Although the bus is slower on the road, it eliminates all the unnecessary waiting and transfers. For people who aren’t in a hurry, the actual “door-to-door” time difference isn’t as significant, and the bus is even more convenient.
2. It’s Not That People Have Become Poorer; It’s That People’s Views on the “Value of Time” Have Changed
In the past, as people’s lives improved, they were willing to spend a bit more to save an hour, because time was considered more valuable than money. But now, people’s attitudes towards spending have changed.
- In the past: They pursued extreme efficiency and were willing to pay for speed.
- Now: They focus on getting the best value for their money and consider how much their free time is worth.
For students, ordinary office workers, and those who visit relatives on weekends, spending an extra 1.5 hours by bus can save them 50-100 yuan. They can use that money to eat something nice, buy a coffee, or save it, which feels more worthwhile.
This isn’t about being stingy with money; it’s about spending it wisely. People no longer blindly admire speed but start to calculate whether their free time is worth the extra cost. If the answer is no, then the cheaper and more convenient bus is the better option.
3. The Bus Service Isn’t Dead; What’s Dead Is the “Old Bus Model”
Many say the long-distance bus service is over, but that’s only half true.
What’s really gone is the old way of operating buses:
1. Remote stations: People had to travel to distant bus stations, which was inconvenient.
2. Fixed schedules: Buses had to depart on time, regardless of how full they were, leading to wasted resources and a poor experience.
3. Complicated processes: Buying and refunding tickets was difficult, and information was unclear.
What’s different about the new buses?
- Flexible stations: They are located near subway stations, shopping malls, and university areas, right where people need them.
- Smart scheduling: Buses are added based on online reservations; more buses run on Fridays and Sundays when there’s more demand.
- Cost optimization: They use electric vehicles, saving on fuel, and online booking eliminates the need for ticket sellers and advertising.
In short: The new bus service is no longer a rigid mode of transport; it’s a flexible travel option that simplifies the user experience and reduces costs.
4. The High-Speed Train Isn’t “Defeated”; It’s Just No Longer Dominant
Some might ask, “Does that mean the high-speed train is no longer useful?” Of course not. The high-speed train is still the best choice for business travelers, emergencies, and those whose homes are close to the station. Its reliability and speed remain unbeatable.
However, its once-dominant advantage has diminished:
- Fare adjustments: High-speed train fares have changed, and the initial price advantage is no longer as significant.
- Increased competition: Buses, ride-hailing services, and even car travel are competing for market share.
The current situation is:
- For those in a hurry or looking for comfort: The high-speed train is the best choice.
- For those looking for value and convenience for daily commuting or leisure: The new bus service is.
These two modes are no longer in a competitive “life-and-death” situation; they complement each other, meeting different needs of customers.
5. The Most Basic Truth in Business: Demands Don’t Disappear; They Just Find New Ways to Be Met
The biggest lesson from this is that:
No industry will disappear completely as long as there are real user needs.
People’s need to travel from one city to another will always exist, as will their desire to save money, avoid hassle, and make things easier.
The bus service failed in the past because it focused only on the fare and refused to improve the experience, the model, or consider the user’s difficulties. People stopped using it not because of the high price but because of the inconvenience. Now that the bus service has adapted to these issues—by setting stations closer to people’s homes, simplifying the travel process, and reducing costs—it has made a comeback.
The most fundamental truth in business is always the same: What gets eliminated are not industries or user needs, but outdated, inflexible models that ignore the needs of their customers.
As long as businesses are willing to adapt, even old models can find new life.
A Tip for Everyone:
Next time you need to travel between cities, don’t just think about the high-speed train. Check the maps for intercity buses that go directly from subway stations. Calculate the “door-to-door” time and total cost. You might find that the bus is the best option for you.