A study of the Song Dynasty' s Administration of Passes and Ferries

During the Song Dynasty the setup and administration of passes and ferries werestressed . Many laws and regulations concerned were established. Travellers were not permitted togo through a pass or ferry unless they showed their official certificates. A series of sever criminallaws were made to punish the offenders. The government imposed duties on goods traffic. Ferrieswere operated by official bodies or contracted for operation. Illegal goods traffic or criminals wereforbidden. Necessary men and boats were supplied to equp ferries. The government decided thenumber of annual taxes to be collected from travellers arid took such measures to stop illegal activi-ties and maintain traffic order as keeping working personnel within bounds of regulations, show-ing tickets before ferrying, ensuring travellers' safety and appointing officials to make an inspec-tion tour of ferries.