In stark new proposals, the Commission wants to require train companies to make their tickets available on any ticketing website that wants to sell them, while the dominant companies must also provide tickets for journeys with smaller operators.
One and the same ticket should be valid for the entire journey, regardless of whether it crosses national borders or involves different companies.
Passengers' rights and the possibility of compensation in the event of delays and missed connections are strengthened.
“Simpler and smarter”
“Free movement is one of the EU's greatest successes. Today we are taking it one step further by making travel between the EU's 27 member states easier, smarter and more passenger-friendly,” promises Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas at a press conference with Fitto.
The proposals are immediately welcomed by train enthusiasts in the EU Parliament.
Considering that there are currently not many other proposals that can be described as green, this is a step in the right direction, says Pär Holmgren (MP) to TT.
It should be as easy to book trains in Europe as it is to book flights... with secure passenger rights all the way, says colleague Johan Danielsson (S).
Previous sales
The proposals also include a requirement that train companies must release their tickets at least five months in advance for journeys that are on the regular timetable.
The idea is that the new rules will also apply in at least Norway and Switzerland.
The proposals will now be processed and approved by the European Parliament and the EU member states in the Council of Ministers, as usual.
Pär Holmgren feels some concern, both regarding resistance from the far right and reluctance from train giants.
There are many companies that have had more or less monopolies in their own countries and did not want to be exposed to competition, says Holmgren.
