Brussels, 24/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - MEPs want harmonisation of passenger rights in Europe for all forms of transport. In a resolution adopted by show of hands on Tuesday 23 October, they called on the European Commission to speed up work on this subject. There are currently no fewer than six EU directives covering passenger rights. The author of the resolution, Georges Bach (EPP, Luxembourg), said the medium-term aim is to establish a common set of rules that apply fairly to all forms of transport and take account of all the characteristics of the various forms of transport as well, adding that this will create greater transparency and raise passenger awareness. French MEPs Dominique Vlasto and Michel Dantin (both EPP) call for a European passenger rights charter, adding that in emergencies and unforeseen circumstances, passengers must be able to rely on a simple document setting out their rights rather than being left to their own devices. Bach wants a clear definition of what constitutes “exceptional circumstances” and a clarification of the rules on what happens when tour operators go bust, saying that passengers must be protected and be guaranteed a return journey, and all prepaid holidays should be reimbursed. Transparency of prices quoted on the web is needed because the real price is often very different from the advertised price, explain Vlasto and Dantin. (MD/transl.fl)