Compensation in cases of delays, more information for travellers,
better assistance for disabled passengers: the European
Parliament’s Committee for Transport and Tourism voted today for
modernised rail passenger rights.
“This is good news for all European travellers. We made sure
that train passengers will be compensated in a fair and
reasonable manner in cases of delays. When your train is more
than two hours late, your ticket will be fully refunded”,
said Renaud Muselier MEP, the EPP Group’s lead negotiator on
the reform of the legislation. Delays of up to 1.5 hours
should be reimbursed by 50 per cent of the ticket price,
delays up to 2 hours by 75 per cent.
Furthermore, the committee voted in favour of a single
ticket. “The introduction of a single ticket will allow
passengers to be better protected when buying a ticket via an
internet platform. In the event of a missed connection, it
will also guarantee the use of the next rail service,
regardless of the operating company and without the slightest
extra cost”, declared the French MEP.
“Finally, important measures are being taken to ensure that
people with disabilities and reduced mobility can travel more
easily. Instead of registering hours in advance, they will be
able to present themselves spontaneously at the station and
ask for personal assistance”, explained Muselier.
In addition, railway companies will be obliged to make space
for bicycles on all trains they operate.
The new rules will apply throughout Europe and for all types
of railway services, whether private, public, regional or
international. They will be voted on in plenary in October or
November and should apply from 2020.
