[access-uk] FW: The European Parliament have just voted to give important new rights to disabled bus passengers

From: "George Bell" <george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:10:45 -0000
Some of you might find this of interest.

George.

The main text of this press release is included in this News item, but
if you wish to view the link it is:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110215IPR13670/ht
ml/Bus-passenger-rights-to-enter-into-force-in-2013


Featured news article: EU agrees new rights to benefit disabled and
older bus passengers


Start of article

The missing link on passengers' rights under EU law was finally put in
place in Strasbourg on Tuesday when the European Parliament adopted
new rules laying down greater rights for bus and coach passengers. 

After two years of tricky negotiations, Parliament and the Member
States have agreed on rules covering all long-distance scheduled
services (250 kilometres or more), whether national or crossborder,
starting in spring 2013.

Compensation
For such services, the new law provides for compensation of 50% of the
purchase price as well as a full refund of the ticket, if an operator
cancels a service and cannot honour the transport contract, even by
other routes or means of transport, following a delayed departure of
at least two hours.  Passengers who prefer not to go ahead with their
trip following a cancelled departure or a two-hour delay will be
entitled to a full refund.

If there is a delay of over 90 minutes according to the timetable,
passengers must be given snacks and refreshments.  If a trip is broken
or if there is an accident or a delay requiring passengers to spend
the night on the spot, the operator will also be required to offer up
to two nights in a hotel at a maximum price of ?80. The operator can
only be exempted from these obligations if the problem is caused by
natural disasters or weather conditions that prevent the journey
taking place under safe conditions.

In addition, the operator must provide for a refund with a ceiling of
no less than ?1200 if luggage is lost or damaged. In the event of
death or injury as the result of an accident, the operator will be
liable for payment of up to ?220,000 (or more, if national law so
provides).

To enable smaller firms to adjust to the new rules, Parliament voted
to allow Member States to exempt certain regular national services or
those where an important part of the service is provided outside the
EU, for a maximum of four years, renewable once.

Fundamental rights
At the same time, thanks to MEPs a package of twelve fundamental
rights was approved which will apply to all regular services
regardless of distance. These rights include information before and
during a journey and the needs of people with disabilities or reduced
mobility. Non-discriminatory access to transport is guaranteed, with
full compensation if wheelchairs or other mobility equipment are lost
or damaged.

Staff training
Bus and coach staff must be trained, under the regulation, to provide
appropriate assistance to reduced-mobility passengers who make a
request at least 36 hours before a departure.  If an operator is
unable to provide suitable assistance, a reduced-mobility passenger
will have the right to be accompanied at no extra cost by a person of
his/her choice.

"This agreement is very important for transport and tourism. It
embodies a strategic balance, as it protects smaller firms and will
make life easier for people with disabilities", said Antonio Cancian
(EPP, IT), who steered the legislation through Parliament.

Parliament adopted the legislation today under the co-decision
procedure (third reading conciliation agreement) by 504 votes to 63
with 89 abstentions.

End of article





Please click on this link to view full details of this item on the
VISION 2020 UK web site:


http://www.vision2020uk.org.uk/news.asp?newsID=2169&section=0001000500
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[access-uk] FW: The European Parliament have just voted to give important new rights to disabled bus passengers

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