New Ticketing Rules Would Still Mean 43% of EU's Busiest Cross-Border Flight Routes Are Hard or Impossible to Book by Train - CleanTechnica

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Despite being a huge leap for passenger rights, the EU Passenger Package will not ensure those taking international trains will always be able to get on the next train or be compensated in the event of a delay, hindering a broader adoption of rail, T&E said.

New EU rules on rail ticketing will not protect all travellers taking international trains. On 13 of the 30 busiest cross-border flight routes (43%), rail passengers booking on the platforms that sell most tickets, those of major rail operators [1], might not be allowed on the next train or compensated in the case of a delay, new research finds. This will hinder a broader adoption of long-distance rail travel right when there is more appetite for it, T&E said.

The European Commission’s EU Passenger Package will make passenger rights conditional to booking a single ticket for routes with multiple connections and/or operators. It also introduces new rules establishing for which trips booking platforms must sell single tickets. The package sets extensive passenger rights: by purchasing single tickets, rail travellers will be able to re-route between operators, apply for reimbursement or compensation, and access accommodation or food costs when a connecting train is delayed. However, the limited geographic scope of the requirement to sell tickets on major operators’ booking platforms will prevent many passengers from buying a single ticket, severely limiting the scope of passenger rights.