Türkiye has changed a practical rule for passengers affected by certain rail delays and cancellations. When the passenger chooses an open ticket instead of a cash refund in the situations covered by Articles 48 and 49, its minimum validity is now 90 days, down from 180. The amendment took effect on 10 October 2026. It does not abolish the right to a refund and does not automatically shorten every ordinary ticket purchased before that date.
Which tickets the 90-day rule covers
The amendment changes the open-ticket alternative in the passenger-rights provisions for delays, missed connections, an unusable return journey and cancellations. It sets a floor: the replacement open ticket may not be valid for less than 90 days. The operator's own product may offer a longer period, so passengers should keep the written notice or conversion confirmation.
Refund rights were not removed
The regulation continues to contain refund and rerouting alternatives in the relevant disruption scenarios. A passenger should not read the new rule as a compulsory voucher for every cancellation. Ask the operator which Article 48 or 49 option is being offered, whether the refund is without deduction and when it will be processed before accepting an open ticket.
Scooters are now expressly included
The definition of a vehicle carried on the same train as the passenger now expressly includes scooters and electric scooters, alongside items such as bicycles and motorised bicycles. This classification does not by itself promise free carriage or acceptance on every service. Size, battery, reservation and train-specific transport conditions still need to be checked with the operator.
What travellers should do
If a journey is disrupted, save the ticket, delay or cancellation notice and the operator's written offer. When choosing an open ticket, confirm its expiry date and route restrictions. For an electric scooter, check the operator's current baggage and battery rules before departure. The 9,473-lira administrative fine in the amendment is a regulatory sanction for each breach by the responsible operator; it is not a new general fine imposed on passengers.
Official Gazette No. 33396 — issue index, 10 October 2026 →
Ministry of Family and Social Services — consolidated Rail Passenger Rights Regulation →