Rail passengers who break ticketing rules and refuse to pay the necessary fare adjustments may face restrictions on purchasing tickets, according to a newly revised regulation.

Set to take effect on Monday, the updated passenger transport regulation issued by China State Railway Group aims to standardize service improvements introduced in recent years, while ensuring a fair and orderly travel environment, the national railway operator announced on Friday.

For the first time, the amended regulation clarifies that passengers who travel without a valid ticket, use forged or altered travel documents, hold tickets that do not match their identity information, occupy a higher-class seat than purchased, or improperly use discounted tickets may face restrictions on future ticket purchases if they refuse to pay the fare difference.

The regulation requires railway staff to inform such passengers on site of the violation and possible follow-up measures. When they attempt to buy tickets again, the railway operator will issue reminders through the 12306 online ticketing platform or at station ticket counters.

It stipulates that the restriction will be lifted automatically after the passenger pays the required fare, plus an additional charge equal to 50 percent of the fare adjustment, in line with existing transport rules.

It will also formalize several passenger-friendly measures, including procedures for railway electronic invoices, expanded student ticket benefits, and delivery services for lost items.

Eligible students may complete qualification checks online via 12306, adjust discounted travel routes based on their actual family residence, and use discounts on a wider range of train services, including first-class seats and sleeper services on bullet trains.

The company said the full text has been published on the 12306 website.