Passenger Mobility Package: Improved rights and better information for travellers

The European Commission has approved proposals aiming to enhance passenger and traveller experiences by reinforcing their rights, drawing from lessons learned during events like the COVID-19 crisis and Thomas Cook's 2019 bankruptcy.

Approximately 13 billion passengers who travel by plane, train, coach, bus or ferry stand to benefit from these proposals. The following three main aspects addressed are:

1. Stronger Passenger Rights:
   • Amendments to regulations strengthening enforcement mechanisms and addressing gaps, particularly for passengers booking through intermediaries.
   • New rules for multimodal journeys providing better information, including minimum connecting times, and entitlement to assistance in case of missed connections.
   • Special attention to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility is emphasised, ensuring assistance at connecting points.
2. Protection of Package Travelers:
   • Revised 2015 Package Travel Directive enhancing protection during crises, ensuring clearer rights and responsibilities.
   • Refunds within 14 days for travellers, facilitated by the right of package organisers to a refund from service providers within seven days.
   • Down payments limited to 25%, and total payment not allowed earlier than 28 days before the package starts.
   • Voucher information transparency, automatic refunds, and coverage by insolvency protection.
3. Better Multimodal Travel Information Services and European Mobility Data Space:
   • The revision of the EU-wide multimodal travel information service facilitating real-time information on different transport modes.
   • Creation of a common European mobility data space supporting access, pooling, and sharing of data for informed journey planning.
   • Emphasis on automation and digitalisation impact, recommending proactive measures, upskilling, and social dialogue in the transport workforce.

These proposals aim to address shortcomings in passenger rights, enhance package traveller protection, and promote informed, sustainable, and seamless multimodal travel experiences, including for urban transport. The initiatives align with the European Strategy for Data, supported by the Connecting Europe Facility and the Digital Europe Programme, fostering a data-driven approach to transport policymaking and innovation.

For further information on these proposals, visit the European Commission website.