Beginning January 1, 2025, significant changes have been implemented for students who rely on discounted rail travel offered by CFR Călători. According to the recent emergency ordinance adopted by the Romanian government, students enrolled at accredited higher education institutions will now benefit from a staggering 90% discount solely on journeys between their home locality and their university. This adjustment has stirred discontent among the student population, sparking conversations around accessibility and the future of student transportation.
This change, effective from the start of the new year, specifies the discount applies exclusively to second-class trains, covering all categories of trains operated by CFR. Previously, students under 30 years old enjoyed broad access to the discount on any internal routes. Now, they must adhere strictly to the prescribed routes to qualify for the reduced fare. This restricts their travel to very specific lines—those connecting their homes with the institutions of higher education they attend.
CFR Călători emphasized, “CFR Călători informs you, starting from January 1, 2025, 00:00, students enrolled at educational institutions will benefit from 90% reduced fares for internal railway transport, but only on the route between their home locality and the university locality.” This new rule marks a significant shift from the previously lenient options, raising eyebrows among students who have voiced concerns about the impact on their mobility.
Further complicate matters, the purchase of discounted tickets has also been restricted to physical locations. Students are advised to buy their tickets exclusively from ticket offices at railway stations or CFR travel agencies. Until the online platforms undergo updates to accommodate the new policies, purchasing tickets online is no longer possible. Should any students find themselves at stations lacking sales personnel or if they're boarding outside of standard ticket office hours, they can buy tickets directly from the train, provided the request is made immediately upon boarding.
“To comply with the provisions imposed by OUG no. 156 from December 30, 2024, students must present both their original student ID, clearly indicating the location of their educational institution, and identification proving their registered domicile,” CFR Călători noted. This requirement might be another hurdle for students who are already trying to adjust to the revised regulations.
The new period of uncertainty has prompted multiple protests from the student community. Representatives from various student associations have reported amassing over 35,000 signatures on petitions addressed to the government, seeking the reversal of these restrictions. “This change negatively affects students’ mobility and their access to educational resources and opportunities available in different cities,” they expressed.”
By implementing these changes, the Romanian government aims to streamline transportation benefits amid fiscal constraints. Nonetheless, students are already feeling the heat from these new measures, which they perceive as a direct blockage to their educational pursuits. A spokesperson added, “We recommend our clients procure their travel documents well in advance to avoid congestion at ticket offices.”
With the rollback of the more accommodating policies, students now face the challenge of adapting their travel plans under the newly imposed limits. To mitigate potential disruptions, they are encouraged to prepare travel arrangements cautiously and within the confines of the new stipulations. For those needing information on train schedules, various resources remain available such as the INFO CFR helpline and mobile applications. The transition period is set to test the mettle of the student body as they navigate through these changes.
It remains to be seen how these regulations will affect students’ travel patterns and educational access. For now, they must cope with the immediate effects of these reductions and the new purchasing protocols as they continue their educational journeys.