In bold proposals, the Commission wants to force train companies to make their tickets available on all ticketing websites that want to sell them. The dominant companies must also make tickets available for journeys involving smaller operators.
One and the same ticket should be valid for the entire journey, regardless of whether it crosses national borders and involves different companies.
At the same time, 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," boasts Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas in a press release.
The proposals were immediately welcomed by rail advocates in the European Parliament.
"Long-awaited by many. With the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, we see that fossil-dependent aviation is vulnerable in a troubled world," writes Pär Holmgren (MEP).
"The train should not be the last option because ticket systems are stuck in yesterday's times," says colleague Johan Danielsson (S).
Advance sales
The proposals also include a requirement that train companies must release their tickets at least five months in advance for journeys that are included in the regular timetable.
The idea 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 be processed and approved by the European Parliament and the EU member states in the Council of Ministers as usual.
