Railways need integrated travel plans

German firm Roland Berger Strategy Consultants - one of the world's biggest business consultancies - said on Thursday that it plans to offer Chinese rail operators new service solutions to improve their efficiency and diversify their profit models.

New service solutions packages will include flexible operational solutions for intercity passenger trains and subways, as well as programs like the frequent flier programs that airlines use, said Martin Streichfuss, senior partner and global head of transportation competence.

Streichfuss said the Roland Berger-designed innovative service offerings that the rail service operators could adopt would also include rail ticket packages that combine destinations with hotel stays, dinner coupons and sightseeing tickets - providing a more convenient and attractive one-stop service offering for rapidly increasing the number of rail travelers.