The state Duma allows tourists non-refundable tickets for trains
The State Duma on April 3 in the final reading adopted a bill that allows the introduction of non-refundable tickets for long-distance trains. Innovations will be introduced in the Charter of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation.
It is expected that the law will enter into force on January 1, 2019.
The adopted draft law declares that “travel documents (tickets) for long-distance trains are purchased by individuals at tariffs providing for the condition of getting back the fare when returning an unused travel document (ticket)”. Formally, this allows the introduction of non-refundable tariffs on the railway.
These tickets, as well as in the version with air transportation, will become more affordable. It is assumed that the traveler will have the opportunity to return the ticket and receive money only in certain conditions.
Money for unused tickets will be refunded “only in the event of a sudden illness of a passenger or a family member (spouse, parent (adoptive) or child (adopted), death of a family member or injury of a passenger as a result of an accident confirmed by relevant documents).” A refund is allowed if the departure of the train is cancelled or delayed, and when there is no seat for the passenger stated on the ticket.