Compensation for Britain's rail passengers on the right track - Lynne

6.48.08pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Sep 2005

Britain's rail passengers who suffer delays look set to be awarded higher levels of compensation, following a vote in the European Parliament.

Commenting ahead of tomorrow's (Wednesday's) vote on the legislative package aimed at improving the EU's railways, Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne heralded the move as a victory for passengers:

"This legislation will ensure that rail passengers get the service they paid for or the compensation they are entitled to.

"A better quality of service will encourage even greater use of our rail networks tackling congestion on the roads and reducing pollution."

Liz Lynne argued:

"Compensation should be given not just to international rail passengers but also to passengers on domestic journeys1, including commuters."

"Those of us frustrated by lost or damaged luggage, delays, missed connections and poor accessibility will be better protected as the regulation insists on EU-wide standards for consumer protection, assistance for persons with restricted mobility and independence, as well as security, safety, and quality of service."

ENDS.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 0033388177521 (Strasbourg) or 077644 52725(mobile) or the Press Officer in Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 262785.

Notes to Editors:

Debate Tuesday, Vote Wednesday). Railways - 1st reading of four proposals

1. Competition - passenger services: MEPs will be voting on amendments bringing in competition in international passenger services by January 2008 rather than 2010 and in domestic passenger services across the EU by 2012, whereas the European Commission proposal did not even mention domestic services.

2. As a result of the Transport Committee's vote is that rail companies will no longer be able to insist on paying compensation in the form of vouchers for further rail journeys. Instead, passengers will be entitled to the following minimum cash refunds if their train is late:

• 25% of the fare for a delay of 60 minutes or more;

• 50% for a delay of 120 minutes or more;

• 75% for a delay of 180 minutes and more.

These cash refunds should be paid within a month of the application being made.

MEPs called for rail season ticket holders who suffer repeated delays or cancellations to be entitled to compensation in the form of free journeys, price reductions or an extension of their season ticket.

3. The proposals are at 1st reading in the co-decision procedure, where the European Parliament has equal decision-making powers 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 stage. Parliament's Transport Committee has indicated that it will not proceed with the 1st reading vote unless Council commits to pursue agreement on all proposals in tandem.