UITP welcomes the European Council General Approach on Passenger Rights in a Multimodal Context

UITP welcomes the General Approach adopted by the European Council, 5 December 2024, on the draft regulation on passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys.

The final text complements existing rules and offers a level of protection to passengers in the event of missed connections when switching between transport modes.

At the same time, it takes into account exemptions granted in the framework of existing EU modal passenger rights regulations. It therefore represents a balanced approach for passengers, operators and authorities.

Importantly, it clarifies key elements such as the concerned scope of the journeys and type of tickets. With a scope now fully consistent with the existing EU legislative framework on passenger rights, the Council General Approach leaves no ambiguity to passengers and carriers, including their staff dealing directly with the passengers, on the services covered by this new regulation.

Also, it explicitly says that carriers’ liability in the event of missed connections applies only in the case of multimodal single tickets sold on the basis of agreements between carriers. Carriers are therefore liable only for connections they are aware of.