Refunds for international train tickets: why passengers complain about Ukrzaliznytsia's innovations
Recently, Ukrzaliznytsia announced an innovation regarding the purchase and return of tickets for some international trains, but it has led to massive dissatisfaction among passengers. Find out what's wrong with the new sales system and why people are complaining about the ticket refund procedure
Since Ukrzaliznytsia launched the sale of tickets for international flights to Warsaw, Przemysl, Chełm and Chisinau, passengers have faced great difficulties in purchasing them. Those who buy tickets through resellers have the best chance of getting a ticket.
Recently, however, innovations from Ukrzaliznytsia have come into effect, and the community has reacted negatively to them, according to Oleh Vasyliev, author of the Iron Highways blog, on his Facebook page. We will find out what exactly the problem is in the article.
What's wrong with international tickets?
Restrictions on the sale of tickets for international flights have now come into effect. Thus, a clear list of trains has been defined for which tickets can only be purchased online and returned at the ticket office.
These trains include:
No. 67/68 Kyiv-Warsaw;
No. 73/74 Kharkiv-Przemyśl;
No. 36/35 Odesa-Premysl;
No. 32/31 Zaporizhzhia-Premysl;
No. 23/24 and No. 19/20 Kyiv-Helm;
No. 351K/351L Kyiv-Chisinau;
No. 53/54 and No. 89/90 Kyiv-Premierzl;
No. 93/94 Kharkiv-Helm;
No. 705/706, No. 715/716 Kyiv-Premierzl.
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What is the reason for passenger dissatisfaction?
For passengers, the new sales schemes are quite inconvenient. For example, if a person is travelling abroad, but their plans change and the trip is no longer relevant, they will not be able to refund their tickets, as this is only possible online.
A passenger will also not be able to make a refund at a physical Ukrzaliznytsia ticket office, as there are no company offices at stations abroad.
The new rules also mean that people who for some reason do not have access to the Internet cannot buy tickets for international trains. It will also not be possible to pay for tickets in cash.
"These conditions for the sale and refund of tickets for international flights have all the signs of violating the laws of Ukraine, namely the Law on Consumer Protection. Article 17, paragraph 1: all consumers equally recognise the right to satisfy their needs in the field of trade and other services. Establishing any preferences, applying direct or indirect restrictions on consumer rights is not allowed, except in cases provided for by regulatory acts," says Oleg Vasiliev.
We remind you! Ukraine has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic at the border. There are queues at some sections. Read what border guards recommend to avoid crowds at checkpoints in our previous article.
Photo: stock.adobe.com
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Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
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