BRUSSELS -
More alternative routes in case of delays or cancellations, better assistance for people with reduced mobility, more space for bicycles
.
These are the main changes in the
revision of the regulation on rail passenger rights
approved by the European Parliament definitively.
The vote did not take place because no amendments were tabled.
Under the new rules, which will apply to
international and national rail travel and services across the EU
, in the event of a delay of more than 60 minutes, passengers have the right to choose between full reimbursement of the ticket cost and continuation. or re-routing to the final destination without additional charges.
If the railway operator does not communicate the available options to the passenger within 100 minutes of the departure time, the latter may resort to an alternative form of public land transport on his own initiative and the railway undertaking will be obliged to refund.
If necessary, meals and drinks should be provided and accommodation costs reimbursed.
Railway companies are exempt from compensation if the delay or cancellation is due to
force majeure
, i.e. extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, but also serious health crises and terrorist attacks.
Strikes by railway personnel are not included in the grounds for exemption.
The
travelers with reduced mobility
also will have greater flexibility in the organization of the trip, as they will have to inform the operator of their travel plans only 24 hours in advance, and may require the presence of a companion who will travel for free.
All trains must also be equipped with
special spaces and racks for bicycles
, with at least four spaces for bicycles on each train.
The new rules will start to apply two years after publication in the Official Journal, with the exception of the obligations relating to spaces for bicycles, which will be applicable four years after the regulation enters into force.