The European Union on Wednesday proposed measures to simplify travel across the bloc, including allowing passengers to book connecting journeys involving multiple operators on a single online platform.
The plan aims to strengthen passenger rights in the event of delays or cancellations, while offering a clearer overview of all available routes, the commission said in a statement.
It would also require major ticket platforms to offer services from other rail operators that choose to participate in the shared booking process.
Journeys booked in a single transaction would in future be treated as a single ticket, the commission said.
“With digital tools and integrated mobility services, Europeans will be able at the click of one button to plan, compare and purchase multimodal journeys across borders, while benefiting from stronger rail passenger rights, greater transparency and better protection every step of the way,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism.
Under the proposal, passengers who miss a connection due to delays would be entitled to reach their destination at no extra cost via alternative transport or to request a refund.
If they continue their journey, they would also be entitled to assistance such as meals or accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary. The railway operator responsible for the disruption would be liable for these rights, provided sufficient transfer time was scheduled.
At present, cross-border rail passengers often must book separate tickets with different operators, leaving them with limited rights if missed connections occur. While some rail companies already offer voluntary rebooking arrangements, these are not legally binding under EU law.
The proposal still needs formal approval from the European Parliament and EU member states. The initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage a shift toward rail travel across Europe.