The EU wants to demand a single train ticket for all companies and multiple journeys

BrusselsThe European Commission wants to continue promoting the use of trains across the European Union. And, to boost interstate travel and increase passenger protection, Brussels has presented this Wednesday a legislative proposal that aims to require a single ticket for multiple journeys and for all railway companies. increase passenger protection, Brussels has presented this Wednesday a legislative proposal that aims to require a single ticket for multiple journeys and for all railway companies.

Brussels also wants to make it easier for consumers to find all interstate travel options without having to look at the offers of various companies, especially every time they cross a border. In this regard, the Community executive also proposes in the legislative text presented that portals that compare prices and offer train journeys include all operators, and offer them in a "neutral" and "transparent" way, without benefiting some more than others.

In fact, Community sources criticize that there are different price comparison platforms that are sometimes from the same business group as some large railway companies that favor their brands in search engines and recall that the European Commission has already opened several investigations for non-compliance with European competition law. "Comparing all available travel options and identifying the most sustainable options, especially for cross-border travel, remains difficult for EU passengers," the Community executive laments in a statement.

With the single ticket, the European Commission also wants to increase the protection of train passengers' rights, especially when they have to change trains and, due to a delay by a railway company, miss their connection. "In practice, passengers will benefit from assistance, reimbursement, and compensation rights," adds the statement issued by the European Commission this Tuesday.

In case users miss their train connection, they will be able to choose between an alternative route that the railway company responsible for the delay must offer them at no extra cost, or, if they prefer, a refund of the ticket. Passengers will also be entitled to assistance in case of breakdown or delay and will have to be compensated for meals or accommodation.

The European Commission also assures that the new legislation will boost free competition among the various European railway operators and aims to promote equal conditions between the largest companies in the sector and the smallest ones. In this way, Brussels believes it can reduce travel prices and make rail transport more competitive, especially against airlines. In fact, the Community executive recalls in the statement that the train is a key means of transport for reducing polluting emissions in the Community bloc and achieving the climate objectives of the European Union.

However, the proposal presented this Wednesday by the European Commission must be negotiated between the Council of the EU, which is the Community body representing the member states, and the European Parliament. The three institutions will have to reach an agreement and give their final approval to the new regulation.