Passenger Guide for Safe Travel

Intercity journeys are more than just covering distances; they are an integral part of a traffic culture where we all share a collective responsibility. Therefore, safe travel begins the very moment we take our seats.

Before You Take Your Seat: Your Legal Rights

Compulsory Insurance Coverage Every passenger, along with their ticket, is automatically covered by the Compulsory Seat Personal Accident Insurance for Road Passenger Transport. This insurance aims to protect the financial and personal rights of the passenger in the event of an accident, regardless of whether the carrier is at fault. This creates a strong legal and financial foundation for medical treatment processes and compensation claims in unexpected situations.

Compulsory seat personal accident insurance is activated in cases of injury, disability, or death resulting from an accident during the journey. Insurance coverage may include items such as medical expenses, permanent disability compensation, and death benefits. Coverage amounts and scope are determined within the framework of the relevant insurance policy and current legislation.

• No-Fault Coverage: Provides protection regardless of who is at fault.

• Medical Expenses: Covers medical treatment and hospital costs within specified limits.

• Permanent Disability: Grants the right to compensation in the event of permanent disability.

• Death Benefits: Provides payment to legal heirs in the event of death.

Passengers should be aware that this insurance coverage is automatically activated upon purchasing a ticket. To exercise their rights in the event of a possible accident, they must keep their tickets, travel documents, and medical reports. Information such as the date and location of the incident, along with official accident reports, is of great importance when applying to the insurance company or authorized agency.

Obligation to Obtain Insurance

ARTICLE 47 – (1) In passenger transport, authorization certificate holders are required to take out the compulsory insurances specified in this Regulation to cover bodily damages that may occur to passengers, drivers, and their assistants.

Awareness and Exercise of Passenger Rights

Updated regulations are not limited solely to insurance coverage; they also grant passengers various rights regarding matters such as cancellations, refunds, departure delays, seat changes, and baggage liability. To exercise these rights effectively, it is essential to review the terms of carriage stated on the ticket and the relevant legislation.

Companies operating in the field of passenger transport are obliged to provide information regarding passenger rights through their websites and sales points. This allows passengers to learn in which cases they can request compensation, refunds, or changes before their journey. For more comprehensive information, the passenger rights pages of the respective transport company and official legislative sources should be examined. 

For a safe and conscious travel experience, being aware of legal rights and insurance guarantees before setting out is of great importance. Thus, it becomes possible to act quickly in unexpected situations, apply to the correct authorities, and benefit most effectively from the protection provided.

Guide to Being an Active Passenger in Bus Travel

Seat Belts: Not an Option, But a Necessity

Seat belts in buses help prevent passengers from being thrown about and avoid serious injuries by ensuring they remain secured in their seats during a collision or rollover. Wearing a seat belt is not only a legal obligation but also a vital safety measure. Instead of waiting for a potential accident to fasten the belt, the safest practice is to buckle up before the bus starts moving. Using a seat belt on every journey and in every seat must be regarded as the fundamental requirement for safe travel.

Driver Supervision and Passenger Responsibility

The driver's attentive and rule-compliant operation of the vehicle is of critical importance for the safety of all passengers during bus journeys. Passengers have the right to issue a polite and constructive warning if the driver uses a mobile phone, smokes, or speeds while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, requesting a rest stop if a driver is noticed to be fatigued is a responsible act that protects the lives of everyone on the bus, not just your own. Being an "active passenger" involves being alert to situations that jeopardize safety just as much as it involves following the rules yourself.

Baggage Safety

Baggage safety is as critical for security during a journey as it is for comfort. When placing carry-on luggage in overhead compartments, it is essential to ensure that items are secured so they do not move. During hard braking, sudden maneuvers, or road vibrations, improperly placed bags and packages can dislodge and cause injuries to passengers.

When placing your carry-on luggage in overhead bins, it is important to keep heavier items as stable as possible and to securely pack any sharp-edged or fragile objects. Ensuring that compartment lids are fully closed and that luggage does not protrude protects your personal belongings and increases overall safety within public transport vehicles. Securely stowed baggage provides a more organized interior environment and facilitates a faster evacuation in case of an emergency.

Emergency Exits

The location of emergency exits is of vital importance for a safe journey. Upon taking your seat, the position of the nearest emergency exit must be visually checked. To avoid panicking during an emergency, the distance to the door, its direction, and any potential obstacles should be identified beforehand.

Furthermore, the location of the emergency hammer should also be noted with a quick glance. Knowing which window the hammer is located next to provides a significant advantage in situations where every second counts during an evacuation. This simple yet effective habit is an important step that enhances both personal safety and the safety of fellow passengers.

Wait for a Full Stop

The rule "Do Not Stand Up Until the Vehicle Comes to a Complete Stop" is one of the most frequently violated safety regulations in both urban and intercity travel. Standing up to prepare your luggage while the vehicle is still in motion—as it enters a terminal or approaches a stop—carries a much greater risk than many realize.

Why is it Important? Even at low speeds, sudden braking or a maneuver by the driver can cause standing passengers to lose their balance and result in serious injuries. Standing in aisles, on stairs, or near doors especially increases the risk of falls and collisions. For a safe journey, it is vital to keep your seatbelt fastened and remain in your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop and the doors have opened.