Train ticket refunds in China about to get easier  

9月1日起火车票全国通退通签 并实施梯次退票

(ECNS) -- China's national railway operator will adjust its policy on ticket refunds and rescheduling starting next month, allowing passengers to return or reschedule train tickets at any railway station across the country, according to cnr.cn.

The current policy allows passengers to return or reschedule tickets only at stations where they bought them or where they will depart from. Starting on September 1, such services will be available at any railway station.

Under the new policy, passengers will be charged 5 percent of the ticket's face value if they refund their tickets 48 hours before departure time; 10 percent between 48 and 24 hours before departure time; and 20 percent if within 24 hours of departure time.

The new policy is intended to encourage passengers who want refunds to do so as early as possible, which will speed up turnover.

To mitigate ticket scarcity, railway authorities in recent years have introduced online and telephone booking services, as well as prolonged presale periods. However, mass cancellations during peak travel seasons have continued to strain the rail transportation system.

Statistics show that from January 1 to July 15, 2013, average daily ticket cancellations rose by 77.6 percent over the previous year. Nearly 75 percent of those happened less than 24 hours before departure times.