Abstract: In the process of handling travel disputes caused by public transport, it is critical to distinguish between tort liability and contract liability first. The meaning and scope of public transport operators need to be redefined scientifically, because the regulations of tort liability caused by public transport operators are too vague in the Tourism Law which could confuse liability of breach of contract with tort. The criterion of contract involves conflict with the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law and the Contract Law. With noticeable interpretation differences, the Laws or administrative regulations should be revised, to give clear anticipations for the participants.

Keywords: public transport operators; tourism law; travel agency; travel disputes

摘要： 在处理因公共交通导致的旅行社与旅游者纠纷时，要区分侵权责任和违约责任，并明确个案中的合同种类和侵权关系。对公共交通经营者的含义和范围也需要做出科学界定。《旅游法》中关于公共交通经营者造成侵权责任的条款过于模糊，容易引起违约与侵权的混淆。《最高人民法院关于审理旅游纠纷案件适用法律若干问题的规定》对因“公共客运工具”延误造成旅行社违约的责任规定与《旅游法》和《合同法》不一致，但具有合理性，应在实践中继续采纳，并通过完善法律法规加以固化，给市场各方以明确预期。

关键词: 公共交通经营者, 旅游法, 旅行社, 旅游纠纷