The EU states have agreed on a reform of passenger rights. There is no change in the amount of compensation.
Railway companies are released from their obligation to pay compensation if a train delay is caused, for example, by extreme weather conditions.
In future, rail travelers will no longer receive any compensation if their train is delayed due to a storm, for example. The EU countries confirmed on Monday a corresponding agreement with the European Parliament on a reform of passenger rights, as the Council of Member States announced.
Accordingly, it is planned to release railway companies from their obligation to pay compensation for “delays or train cancellations that they could not have avoided”.
According to the information, this applies to “extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters or major health crises, including pandemics”. Strikes by rail workers are not included. Railway companies are also obliged to divert passengers in the event of delays and train cancellations due to force majeure.
Compensation
In terms of the level of compensation, the reform does not bring any improvements for consumers either. Contrary to what the EU Parliament called for, there is a reimbursement of 25 percent of the ticket price from one hour delay and 50 percent from two hours.
The Member States' transport ministers had also refused to oblige various railway companies to offer joint tickets. So-called transit cards are only compulsory for journeys with a change from regional to long-distance transport if all trains are operated by the same railway company.
There are small improvements for people with disabilities and limited mobility. In future, they should have the right to assistance on boarding and alighting trains on all trains in the EU, but only “if trained staff is on duty”. In a few years, all trains should also have parking spaces for at least four bicycles.
The EU Parliament also has to confirm the reform plans again, two years later they will come into force with the exception of the requirements for bicycle parking spaces. Railway companies only have to offer the transport of bicycles after four years, and then only if they buy new wagons.
