China’s transportation network is preparing for the upcoming travel rush during the Spring Festival, the lunar New Year. Nearly three billion journeys are expected during the 40-day period this year, which is called “chunyun” in Chinese.

According to the Transport Ministry, the number, which excludes trips through public buses and taxi, is 3.4 percent higher than the year before. Medium- and short-distance travel is expected to increase sharply.

The ministry said several new high-speed railways have been put into operation last year, which will help alleviate crowding. The railway system says it will add about 2,000 extra passenger trains. This year’s Spring Festival travel peak will last from February 4 to March 15.