On September 1, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. officially released the 2024 version of the “China State Railway Group Passenger Transport Regulations”.
This updated regulation includes 24 revisions to the 2023 version and introduces three new appendices: “Railway Passenger Ticket Purchase Instructions,” “Railway Passenger Travel Instructions,” and “Railway Passenger Safety Guidelines.” The key changes are as follows:
1.Revised Ticket Rescheduling Rules.
The 2024 regulations have relaxed the rules for ticket rescheduling. Previously, passengers could only reschedule to any train within the pre-sale period if the rescheduling was done more than 48 hours before departure. If rescheduling was done within 48 hours of departure or after departure, it was only allowed for trains departing before midnight on the same day. The new regulation allows passengers to reschedule to any train within the pre-sale period both before and on the day of departure, significantly expanding the rescheduling options. No rescheduling fee will be charged if the rescheduling is done within the previous limits. However, for rescheduling to a date after the original travel date, a tiered fee will apply: 5% if done 24-48 hours before departure, 15% if done less than 24 hours before departure, and 40% if done after departure. This policy took effect on January 15, 2024.
2.Revised Reimbursement Voucher Terms.
The 2024 regulations standardize the definition and format of reimbursement vouchers. They now include details related to the rescheduling service. Passengers can obtain reimbursement vouchers at ticket counters or through self-service ticket machines after purchasing, rescheduling, or canceling tickets. Reimbursement vouchers can only be issued once and cannot be reissued.
3.Expanded Types of Valid ID for Real-Name Ticketing.
The 2024 regulations add military and police IDs to the list of valid identification for real-name ticket purchases, a measure that has been in effect since June 25, 2023. Additionally, passports, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, and Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents are now accepted for self-service ticket machine purchases, a change that has been gradually implemented since 2020.
4.Revised Student Discount Ticket Verification and Purchase Rules.
Building on the 2023 regulations, which required students to verify their eligibility for discounted tickets at designated ticket counters or self-service machines, the 2024 regulations introduce an online verification option while retaining offline channels. This change, effective from February 6, 2023, allows students more flexibility in planning their travel by permitting ticket purchases for either the “nearest route” or a “relatively direct or reasonable route.”
5.Revised Connecting Ticket Rules.
The 2024 regulations further refine the concept of connecting tickets, offering more ticketing options for passengers traveling between a single departure point and destination. Recognizing the typical operation of trains, the connecting time between segments is now specified to not exceed 24 hours.
6.Revised Over-Travel Ticketing Rules.
The 2024 regulations expand on the 2023 rule, which allowed passengers to continue their journey beyond their ticketed destination by purchasing an additional ticket if the train had capacity. The new regulation stipulates that if the train is full, staff have the right to refuse the issuance of an additional ticket and prevent further travel. This change aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
