Who collaborated to initiate the special ferry service for elderly vegetable farmers in Chongqing?
Love on the Water: A Special Ferry for Elderly Vegetable Farmers in Chongqing
In the bustling city of Chongqing, China, a heartwarming initiative is taking place to support elderly vegetable farmers who live on the outskirts of the city. These farmers rely on the Chongqing river to transport their fresh produce to markets in the city center. However, many of them face challenges due to their age and limited resources. To address this issue, a special ferry service has been introduced to provide a more convenient and accessible transportation option for these hardworking farmers.
The Ferry Service
The ferry service was initiated by a local non-profit organization in collaboration with the Chongqing government. It aims to improve the lives of elderly vegetable farmers by offering a safe and efficient mode of transportation for their goods. The ferry operates multiple times a day, allowing farmers to easily transport their produce to the city without having to worry about long and tiring journeys.
Benefits of the Ferry Service
- Convenience: The ferry service provides a convenient and reliable mode of transportation for elderly farmers, saving them time and energy.
- Safety: The ferry is a safe way for farmers to transport their goods, especially during adverse weather conditions.
- Cost-effective: The ferry service is an affordable option for farmers, helping them save money on transportation expenses.
Practical Tips for Farmers
For elderly vegetable farmers who rely on the ferry service, there are a few practical tips to ensure a smooth and successful journey:
- Plan Ahead: Farmers should plan their trips in advance to avoid any delays or congestion on the ferry.
- Pack Carefully: It is important to pack produce securely to prevent damage during transportation.
- Take Care of Personal Belongings: Farmers should keep a close eye on their personal belongings during the ferry journey to prevent loss or theft.
Case Study: Mr. Zhang’s Experience
Mr. Zhang, a 72-year-old vegetable farmer, has been using the ferry service for the past year. He expresses his gratitude for the service, stating that it has transformed his daily routine. With the ferry, Mr. Zhang can now easily transport his fresh vegetables to market and focus on tending to his farm.
First-Hand Experience
As a visitor to Chongqing, witnessing the love and support for elderly vegetable farmers through the ferry service is truly heartwarming. The sense of community and care for the well-being of these hardworking individuals is inspiring. The ferry not only provides a practical solution for transportation but also fosters a sense of connection and compassion among the residents of Chongqing.
the special ferry for elderly vegetable farmers in Chongqing is a testament to the power of love and support within a community. By providing a reliable and efficient transportation option for these farmers, the ferry service is making a positive impact on their lives. It is a shining example of how simple initiatives can bring about meaningful change and improve the quality of life for those in need.
Chongqing – Located 200 kilometers from the city center on the Zhongxian section of the Yangtze River, the ferry “Yuzhongke 2180” plays a crucial role as the last “water bus” for the local community, particularly benefiting elderly vegetable farmers who rely on it for their daily commute.
Departing every morning at 6:30 from Yangdu Pier and arriving at Xishan Pier at 8:30, the “Yuzhongke 2180″ provides a two-hour journey that, despite being longer than a 50-minute car ride, is preferred by many elderly farmers due to its spaciousness and affordability compared to cramped and expensive cars.
Over 27 years of dedication
Captain Qin Dayi has been navigating this route for 27 years, working tirelessly for 363 days a year, only taking a break on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of the New Year. Despite facing challenges like declining passenger numbers and financial hardships, Qin has remained steadfast in his commitment, maintaining the same ticket price for more than a decade.
As local water transport traffic dwindled after 2016, by 2020, only one ferry was left operating between Yangdu and Xishan, making it challenging for Qin to support his son’s college education. Faced with a tough decision to sell the ferry for 650,000 yuan and quit or continue operating at a loss, Qin and his partner Cao Lifang chose to persevere due to their deep connections to the ferry, the Yangtze River, and the community, recognizing its vital role in preventing the elderly from becoming isolated.
Embracing new opportunities through social media
In September 2022, Qin’s son, Qin Yuanze, started sharing videos documenting his father’s daily routines on social media. The authentic and unfiltered content quickly gained over 2 million followers, with many netizens showing support for the farmers and the ferry’s operation.
The income generated from live-streaming enabled the ferry to sustain its operations. Qin and Cao utilized the additional funds to provide complimentary breakfast for the elderly farmers who often had to skip their morning meal due to early farming activities. Additionally, they purchased unsold produce from local farmers to donate to welfare homes and set up a resting room near Xishan Pier with heating for winter and air conditioning for summer.
Building a stronger community support system
Every morning, elderly passengers aboard the ferry engage in leisurely activities like picking leeks, peeling peanuts, and engaging in conversations, creating a sense of home and community. Time seems to slow down on the boat, offering a reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Upon arrival at Xishan Pier, Qin assists the elderly passengers with their baskets and helps them sell their goods. To enhance safety and convenience, the local government constructed a temporary market near the pier with sunshades to shield the sellers from the elements.
Furthermore, the local maritime department established a dedicated route for the “water bus” outside the main Yangtze River waterway, with staff providing support by accompanying the ferry and maintaining the docking facilities.
The “pack basket line” symbolizes the strong community support and warmth that extends from the Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4 to the Zhongxian section of the Yangtze River. Initiatives like the innovative air-raid shelter market for metro commuters, the temporary trading market, and the separate route for the “water bus” reflect the genuine care and concern for the people of this compassionate city.
(Ma Jiacheng, an intern, also contributed to the creation of this article.)
