Specialist Press Release (EP/SP10/2005) - September 30th , 2005

SUMMARY

MEPs this week voted for an EU-wide compensation package for train passengers, but gave the thumbs down to fines for delayed freight services. They want cash refunds for delayed domestic and international passengers, but feel fines for the freight sector would increase costs and distort competition. To facilitate employee mobility in the sector, they also called for a European licence for train drivers.

On passenger compensation, the European Parliament adopted an amendment proposing:

• 25 per cent reimbursement of the fare for delays of an hour or more;
• 50 per cent for a delay of two hours;
• 75 per cent for a delay of three hours or more.

MEPs voted for international passenger services to be opened up to competition by 1 January 2008 and domestic passenger services across the EU by 1 January 2012. The Commission had proposed 2010 for international services only.

On rail freight, MEPs rejected the Commission's proposal that freight delivery delays be compensated.

On certificates of train crews, MEPs voted for a common system of professional certificates for train drivers and other onboard crew.

This is the 1st reading in the codecision procedure where the European Parliament has equal decision-making power with the Council of Ministers. If the Council does not accept all of Parliament's amendments, the proposals will return for a 2nd reading at a later date.

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