Georgian railway passengers to receive compensation for train delays

Georgia’s Ministry of Economy has approved regulations establishing uniform requirements for Georgian Railway and setting compensation for passengers in cases of train delays, cancellations or baggage-related problems.

Under the new rules, if a train is delayed due to the company’s fault and the ticket has not been refunded, passengers will receive compensation of at least 25% of the ticket price for delays of 60–119 minutes; and at least 50% of the ticket price for delays of 120 minutes or more, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

If it becomes clear during the journey that the train will arrive more than an hour late, passengers may choose between a full ticket refund, continuing the journey or changing their route.

The regulations also cover passengers’ rights in cases of train cancellations, route changes, and lost or damaged baggage.

Separate provisions address passenger information and accessibility of services for people with disabilities.

The Railway Transport Agency has been tasked with monitoring compliance. If a passenger is dissatisfied with the company’s decision or does not receive a response within the required timeframe, they may appeal directly to the agency, which is authorised to conduct inspections, issue binding orders and impose administrative penalties.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov