A university student from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province has filed a lawsuit against railway authorities over a policy that required her to pay for a lost train ticket.
The 19-year-old student surnamed Chen is suing over what she calls "inflexible rules" after losing her ticket while on a train to Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Chen said conductors made her pay for another ticket even though she provided proof of purchase. She filed the suit in Hangzhou despite railway authorities in Kunming offering to refund the 500 yuan ($80) train fare plus all legal fees.
"This is not only for my own justice. If I don't stand up now, a lot of people are going to run into the same problem," Chen told Chinanews. "I demand an explanation and hope these inflexible rules are changed."
In a statement Saturday, the Railway Administration of Kunming said the rule is in place to prevent fare evasion and allows for refunds.
"Passengers who lose their tickets can purchase replacements and receive a full refund upon completing their journey," an official surnamed Chen (no relation) told the media.
The court will hear the case in November.
"I see no reason why the girl had to buy a new ticket. The Railway Administration should simplify the rules instead of inconveniencing passengers," wrote a Sina Weibo user.
"The best way to prevent such problems is to keep an eye on your ticket," another netizen wrote.
