EPP-ED group backs EU rail shake-up

STRASBOURG: A new rail package will help defend the rights of passengers and reinvigorate the rail sector, says EPP deputy Georg Jarzembowski.

Speaking ahead of parliament’s adoption of a final agreement with council, the German MEP said that his party was “quite happy” with the package of measures.

“My report on cross-border passenger travel will ensure that companies are treated fairly,” he said.

As from autumn 2009, a compensation scheme for delayed trains will be in place.

If the delay exceeds one hour, passengers will be entitled to a refund of 25 per cent of the ticket price.

And if a train is more than two hours behind schedule, passengers will be reimbursed half the fare.

In addition, the centre-right MEP voiced support for the opening up of domestic passenger rail networks by 2010.

“There needs to be a European licence for train drivers that are mutually recognised so that drivers do not have to stop at borders,” said Jarzembowski.

“This would mean quicker trains, and take more lorries of the road.”

The EPP-ED group also voiced support for a European day against the death penalty.

Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski alluded to the fact that Polish opposition to such a day was more an electoral issue than a substantial one.

“This issue will be dealt with after elections in three weeks, so please wait,” he said.

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