Passenger Rights - Rail, Road and Maritime

Passenger Rights - Rail, Road and Maritime

Since the legislation covering passengers travelling by air and that on Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) has been enacted, the Commission has turned its attention to similar passenger rights in the international maritime, rail and coach markets:

Rail

Regulation 1371/2007 was adopted on 23 October 2007 and came into force two years after its publication in the Official Journal, on 3 December 2009. The regulation establishes a set of minimum rights for rail passengers which apply to all rail services – international and domestic. This includes information to be provided by rail companies; the liability of those rail companies and their insurance obligations for passengers and their luggage; obligations in the event of delays; rights of PRMs to travel by rail; service quality standards; handling of complaints; and general rules on enforcement. The Department for Transport consulted on transposing the Regulation into UK law and decided to exercise exemption for five years in certain specific subject areas, including delay compensation, for domestic long distance services.

Bus & Coach

Proposals are going through the European committee stages with similar rights for passengers adopted in the other modes of transport. This includes liability for accidents resulting in death or injury of passengers and loss or damage to their baggage; no discrimination on grounds of nationality or place of residence of the passenger; assistance and compensation in the event of delays or cancellations; assistance to PRMs; and handling of complaints.

Maritime

Proposals are also going through the European committee stages on the same aspects as coach, applying to passengers travelling by sea and inland waterways (including cruises sold as part of a package).

ABTA’s Position

ABTA wishes to ensure that principals comply with their obligations under the Regulations so that consumers obtain any appropriate refunds and compensation, but a balance has to be found when it comes to extraordinary circumstances such as long delays.

ECTAA is in discussion with the Commission on bus and coach, and maritime passenger rights.  ECTAA is working jointly with the IRU (International Road Transport Union) and ETOA (European Tour Operators Association). 

Guidance for Members is being prepared on rail passenger rights.


Last updated: 15 January 2010