What changed between the draft committee report and the plenary report

The rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s proposal to strengthen multimodal passenger rights, as an important step towards a more transparent, fair, and enforceable framework for passengers and transport operators alike and a precondition for more passengers opting for multimodal journeys. In the rapporteur's opinion, it is important to leave market operators the choice to offer attractive multimodal transport solutions, while the different options shall lead to different levels of obligation for the operator and rights for the customer. In an increasingly interconnected transport system, it is essential to strike a fair balance between the need for regulation to ensure consumer protection and the need to avoid overregulation, which could hinder market growth and innovation.

The proposed amendments introduce key improvements to enhance legal clarity and enforceability. By clearly defining the rights and obligations associated with each ticket category, passengers gain a comprehensive understanding of their entitlements and responsibilities, reducing ambiguities and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. At the same time, the proposal significantly enhances passengers’ rights to receive timely and accurate information about their journey, including real-time updates on connections, disruptions, and assistance options. Strengthened information rights empower passengers to make informed decisions and navigate multimodal transport systems with greater confidence.

To facilitate implementation and minimize administrative burdens, the proposed amendments also reduce unnecessary bureaucratic obligations for transport operators. Simplifying reporting requirements and aligning rules across different transport modes would allow companies to focus resources on improving service quality rather than navigating excessive regulatory complexities. Furthermore, the proposal establishes a clearer division of competences and responsibilities between carriers and intermediaries, ensuring that obligations related to ticketing, liability, and passenger assistance are well-defined, thereby preventing disputes and enhancing legal certainty, also tackling the issue of low-quality intermediaries that earn money at the expense of consumers and transport operators alike while avoiding to provide the necessary services.

Particular attention is given to the protection of vulnerable passengers, including those with reduced mobility or disabilities and unaccompanied children. Strengthened provisions ensure that these passengers receive accessible information, adequate assistance, and necessary support throughout their journey, improving safety and inclusivity in multimodal transport.

By implementing these measures, this revision creates a coherent and user-friendly system that benefits passengers while maintaining a regulatory framework that allows the market to evolve. Striking the right balance between consumer protection and market flexibility is key to fostering a resilient, efficient, and passenger-oriented transport network for the future.