YANGON: Yangon-Myanmar Railways has announced that it will take legal action against individuals or organisations advertising train ticket booking services for a fee through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Telegram, and Viber.
According to an official statement, Myanmar Railways introduced the Online Railway Ticket Purchasing (ORTP) web-based system on Feb 1, 2026, to make ticket purchases more convenient for passengers travelling on the Yangon–Mandalay railway route. The system allows travelers to purchase train tickets online for selected express passenger services.
Myanmar Railways stated that on April 4, 2026, it authorised the technology company that won the tender to develop and invest in the ORTP system to charge a service fee of 200 kyats per ticket, in addition to bank-approved transaction fees.
The railway operator emphasised that it has not appointed any individuals or third parties as agents to collect service charges on its behalf. To assist passengers who face difficulties purchasing tickets online, support counters have been established at railway stations, and station staff are available to help travellers buy tickets through the ORTP system at ticket offices.
However, Myanmar Railways said it has recently become aware of advertisements on social media platforms offering train ticket booking services in exchange for additional service fees.
As a result, the organisation has urged the public not to engage in or promote such activities. It warned that anyone found advertising or providing train ticket booking services for a fee through social media platforms will face legal action in accordance with existing laws.
Under the ORTP system, passengers can purchase tickets up to seven days in advance for end-to-end journeys and up to five days in advance for travel between intermediate stations.
Myanmar Railways reiterated that passengers should purchase tickets only through official channels and avoid unauthorised ticket-booking services operating on social media platforms. - Eleven Media/ANN
