New rights for bus passengers: Full refund and open ticket made mandatory

The regulation prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, which envisages changes to the Road Transport Regulation, has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. With the new regulation, new practices have been implemented in many areas ranging from passenger transport to logistics, courier services, and terminal usage.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the changes aim to accelerate digitalization in the sector and strengthen the rights of citizens.

NEW RIGHTS FOR BUS PASSENGERS

With the new regulation, significant changes have been made in favor of passengers in intercity bus services. Accordingly, passengers will be able to cancel their tickets up to 12 hours before the departure time and receive a full refund.

In addition, bus companies will be required to issue open tickets for passengers before the departure time. It has also been made possible for companies to notify the Ministry of their fare tariffs in advance. Transport companies will be able to upload tariffs valid for up to 1 month in advance to the system and make correction requests within 10 days when necessary.

DIGITALIZATION AND MANDATORY ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION

Within the scope of the regulation, new steps have been taken towards digital transformation in road transport. The National Electronic Notification System (UETS) has been made mandatory for all authorization certificate holders. The application will start on January 1, 2027.

In the 3-year experience requirement sought for international logistics activities, the durations of authorization certificates valid in the past period will also be taken into account. The period for completing the professional competence requirement in authorization certificate transfer transactions has been increased from 45 days to 60 days.

NEW REGULATIONS IN COURIER AND TRANSPORTATION

New obligations have also been introduced for companies engaged in courier transportation. Companies with a cargo transport authorization certificate will be required to operate in accordance with the relevant courier legislation if they provide courier services.

The transition period granted for SRC courier and courier activity certificates has been extended until January 1, 2027. In addition, an extension has been provided for the registration of 2013 model and older automobiles to B2 and D2 certificates.

Within the scope of the regulation regarding the transport of seasonal agricultural workers, D3 authorization certificate holders will only be allowed to transport workers who will work in their own agricultural fields.

TERMINAL CONGESTION AND TOURISM TRANSPORT

The Ministry has also implemented a new practice to reduce congestion in terminals. If there is no space available in the terminals, alternative areas determined by local authorities can be used.

In passenger transport for tourism purposes, an incentive regarding the number of vehicles will be applied if automobiles with a Domestic Goods Certificate are preferred.

A limit of a maximum of 1 pickup truck has been introduced for businesses that want to transport household goods and will only use pickup trucks.

HEAVY SANCTIONS FOR UNREGISTERED TRANSPORT

Within the scope of the new regulation, penalties for unregistered transport have also been increased. Accordingly, an administrative fine of 21 thousand 333 liras will be applied for the first violation, 42 thousand 666 liras for the second violation, 106 thousand 665 liras for the third violation, and 213 thousand 330 liras for the fourth violation.

In the fifth violation, the authorization certificate will be canceled. In addition, terminal operation without the necessary documentation will be prevented.

News Source: 12punto