This move is seen as an important step towards promoting sustainable transport, while also creating more alternatives for short-haul flights as the European aviation industry faces rising fuel costs due to conflicts in the Middle East.
According to Business Travel News Europe, this plan is part of the Passenger Mobility Package, aimed at simplifying train travel across Europe and making more sustainable travel options more accessible to passengers. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasized that freedom of movement is one of Europe's greatest achievements, and the new measures will make travel between the 27 member states simpler, smarter, and more passenger-friendly. Brussels has long sought to improve rail connectivity to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry. However, this goal faces many obstacles due to the fragmented nature of the European rail system across countries, making cross-border bookings complicated and expensive. According to EU figures, in 2024 there will be nearly 400 million intra-regional air travel, while only about 150 million cross-border train travel.
To change this situation, the European Commission (EC) proposed that railway companies provide tickets to any online platform wishing to distribute them. Businesses holding at least 50% market share in a country would also have to display on their websites all routes operated by competitors within that country, and sell related tickets if customers request them. A notable point is the proposal to increase passenger benefits on routes with multiple operators. Passengers using shared tickets would be protected if they miss their connecting journey. The party causing the delay would have to arrange alternative routes or refunds, and provide accommodation and meals if needed. Ticketing platforms and train operators would also have to display neutral travel options, possibly including greenhouse gas emissions figures for each route if feasible. The new regulations would help transport businesses sign fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory trade agreements with ticketing platforms.
Many organizations advocating for sustainable transport have welcomed the move. The Transport & Environment (T&E) campaign group described it as a “major step forward” for the rights of rail passengers. However, the organization also cautioned that the current proposal does not require major rail operators to sell tickets for the majority of multi-leg cross-border journeys, which could limit the potential for a significant boost in demand for international train travel.
Georgia Whitaker, T&E's rail campaign manager, noted that the Passenger Mobility Package will struggle to reach its full potential if routes typically traveled by air or car are not yet easily accessible by train. Meanwhile, BT4Europe, a business travel organization, argued that a thorough assessment is needed to assess how the new measures will actually work for passengers, transport companies, and the entire business travel ecosystem.
According to EU figures, railways accounted for only 0.3% of greenhouse gas emissions from the bloc's transport sector in 2022, while civil aviation accounted for nearly 12%.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/co-hoi-cho-nganh-duong-sat-chau-au-post852866.html
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