The European Commission has tabled a new passenger rights package enabling end-to-end rail journeys across Europe to be booked under a single through-ticket, simplifying international travel and strengthening user protection.
The initiative will allow passengers to compare fares across operators and secure rights in the event of disruption, including missed connections on multi-leg itineraries. Railway undertakings will have one year to adapt their distribution systems and digital platforms to the new requirements.
Brussels frames the measure within its climate objectives, seeking a modal shift towards rail from short-haul aviation. In line with the plan presented in November to enhance connectivity between European rail nodes, the Commission acknowledges that identifying sustainable options remains complex, particularly for cross-border services.
However, the sector has voiced reservations. The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) warns that prioritising retail and distribution without addressing capacity and infrastructure constraints may yield limited benefits. According to its executive director, Alberto Mazzola, without an adequate network, improved ticketing will not resolve the system’s structural issues.
The single-ticket proposal accelerates rail market liberalisation by requiring operators to retail competitors’ tickets without favouring their own services, removing the commercial edge of incumbents such as Renfe and SNCF.
This is expected to disadvantage state-owned incumbents while benefiting new entrants such as Iryo and Ouigo, improving price transparency and extending liberalisation into retail channels.