EC updates rail passenger rights

The European Commission is updating the European rules on rail passenger rights to better protect train travellers in case of delays, cancellations or discrimination. “Thanks to the EU passengers have a full set of rights no matter where they travel in the EU. Yet there are still too many European train travellers and commuters who aren’t properly informed about their rights. That is what we want to fix with our new proposal. I am confident that our initiative will strengthen the sector, striking the right balance between the protection of travellers and the competitiveness of the rail sector,” Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said.
The Commission’s proposal updates the existing rules on rail passenger rights in five key areas. EC wants to update the uniform application of the rules as only 5 Member States fully apply the currently rules (Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovenia). The EC proposes the improvement of rules application on information and non-discrimination area, to improve provision of information about passenger rights, for better rights for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility the EC proposes a mandatory right to assistance on all services and full compensation for loss or repair of mobility equipment.
Another updates envisage the enforcement, complaint-handling procedures and sanctioning area, and the proportionality and legal fairness – here, a “force majeure” clause will exempt rail companies from having to pay compensation in the event of delays caused by natural catastrophes, which they could neither foresee nor prevent. Under the current rules, rail companies have to pay compensation even when faced with such events.
The EC’s proposal must now be examined and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before entering into force.


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