Although authorities have banned Web applications that make it easier to buy train tickets online, mobile phone apps are now starting to appear in the market.

The "Dial to Buy", phone app allows users to cut ahead of others when buying train tickets by phone during the Spring Festival rush. It is the most popular app in the Android market, receiving four and half out of five stars.

Software developer Qihoo 360 has a similar mobile program available for download, with tips to buy train tickets by phone.

A Beijing resident surnamed Mao told Beijing Daily that he used the Android app and bought a train ticket from Beijing to Ji'nan on Feb 7.

"The program jumps over the voice introduction, shortening the waiting time," Beijing Daily quoted Mao as saying.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology banned the online software on Friday, after critics said it gave users an unfair advantage.

But software that help users to continuingly check the bookings website for tickets are found to still be working despite the ban.

The apps have been developed to help people buy a train ticket during the Spring Festival rush, when millions of Chinese travel for family reunion.

The Ministry of Railways estimated on Jan 8 that a total of 235 million people will travel during the rush.

Related:

Netizens call for cheaper 'no-seat' train tickets

Help urged for migrant workers buying train tickets

China cracks down on train ticket scalping