One journey, one ticket. That is the slogan when the EU wants to make train travel considerably easier in Europe. ”A revolution for the ticketing market,” believes the European Commission.
In stark proposals, the Commission now wants to force train companies to make their tickets available through all ticket sites that wish to sell them. Dominant companies must also provide tickets for journeys even with smaller operators. A single ticket should also be valid for the entire journey, regardless of whether it crosses national borders and involves different companies.
At the same time, passengers' rights and opportunities for compensation in cases of delays and missed connections are strengthened.
”Free movement is one of the EU's greatest successes. Today, we are taking it a step further by making travel between the EU's 27 member states simpler, smarter, and more passenger-friendly,” boasts Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas in a press release.
The proposals are welcomed directly by rail enthusiasts in the European Parliament.
”This is a matter close to the hearts of all of us who travel frequently by train between different countries in Europe. So it is a welcome message that has been long awaited by many. All measures that increase international train travel are important. We see with the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz that fossil-dependent air travel is vulnerable in a turbulent world,” writes Pär Holmgren (Green Party) in a comment to Di.
”The train shouldn't be the last resort because the ticketing systems are stuck in the past”, says colleague Johan Danielsson (S).
The proposals also include demands that train companies must release their tickets at least five months in advance for journeys included in the regular timetable. The intention is that the new rules will also apply in at least Norway and Switzerland.
”This is truly a revolution for the ticket market. It will lead to higher demand and lower prices,” said one of the officials who worked on the package at a press briefing in Brussels.
The proposals will now, as usual, be processed and approved by the European Parliament and the EU member states in the Council of Ministers.
5 QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE NEW TRAIN PACKAGE
What is the purpose of the passenger package?
The aim is to make it easier to book train tickets across borders, compare prices and times, and to strengthen passengers' rights in cases of delays and missed connections.
How can ticket purchasing be made easier?
All train companies must make their tickets available to online platforms that wish to sell them. Platforms with a dominant position must display all available train departures, regardless of operator.
What do the new passenger rights rules mean?
Travellers who purchase a ticket that covers multiple train companies are entitled to full rights if a connection is missed, for example, the right to rebooking, compensation and assistance in case of delays.
How is competition affected?
The proposal aims to create a more transparent and competitive market, where smaller train companies also have better opportunities to sell their tickets.
When can the rules come into effect?
The proposal will now be discussed in the European Parliament and negotiated between the EU institutions before it can enter into force.
Source: DI-TT-EU Commission website
