Campaign to promote consumer rights when travelling
But the rights won’t apply to anybody travelling by train in Ireland as the Government secured an exemption for Iarnród Éireann from the rules for five years
However, the European Commission said it has started work on extending these rights to those travelling by bus and coach and on sea or inland waterways.
The commission also launched a website with all the information on what you are entitled to expect and what to do if anything goes wrong at http://ec.europa.eu/passenger-rights.
AGE the platform for older a people welcomed the campaign saying that while legislation is in place guaranteeing equal basic rights for all EU passengers, many citizens are still not aware of those rights.
“Many older people are reluctant to use public transport because they have mobility problems and are afraid that they won’t be able to manage in the airport or the train station.
“We hope that with this campaign, they will be more aware of their right to get assistance whenever they need it and that they will feel more confident to travel by air or rail across Europe”, said Anne-Sophie Parent, director of AGE.
For those travelling by rail in the rest of the EU, the rights include:
* Full information in public on your rights.
* 25% of the ticket price refunded in cash if trains delayed for between one and two hours.
* 50% compensation for a two hour or more delay.
* Free meals and refreshments after a 60 minute delay.
* Alternative transport provided.
* Assistance for disabled passengers.
* On-going information on delays.
* Up to €1,285 per piece of luggage lost or damaged.
* In case of death €21,000 initial payment.
* Independent complaints body.
