Better protection for European railway passengers

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.