Strasbourg, 25/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - After three years of bitter discussion, the 3rd rail package, which liberalises international passenger transport, can finally see the end of the legislative tunnel. Meeting in plenary on Tuesday 25 September, the European Parliament approved the agreement reached with Council on 21 June 2007 (see EUROPE 9455). The three legislative proposals in the package (directives on developing Community railway transport and on certification of rail drivers as well as the regulation on passengers' rights and obligations) may be endorsed by the Council on Wednesday afternoon during public reflection on the matter.
Proposed by the Commission in March 2004, the package liberalises international passenger transport by rail from 1 January 2010 (with a 2-year transitional period for states in which international passenger transport represents over half of the turnover of rail companies). It also ensures that all passengers enjoy minimum rights (carrier responsibility towards the passengers and their luggage, the right to transport of persons with reduced mobility, sale of tickets and the right to information). These rights will apply to all passengers as of 2009, without exception. Companies operating long distance internal transport services will nonetheless have an exemption period of up to 15 years (the initial 5-year period followed by two additional periods of the same duration) on all the other provisions of the regulation (compensation in the event of delays or cancellation, financial compensation of at least €21,000 per person in the event of decease or serious injury to passengers whether or not it is the carrier's fault, and assistance to persons with reduced mobility, etc). Suburban, urban and regional transport will also be excluded, for a period that has not been determined. The package also establishes minimum conditions for the qualification, health and proficiency of train drivers. The Parliament managed to have it agreed that 30 months at the very latest after entry into force of the directive, the European Commission would present a report on on-board security personnel and, where necessary, present a legislative proposal concerning them.
In a press release published on Tuesday, the vice-president of the Commission responsible for transport, Jacques Barrot, welcomed the Parliament's vote and the agreement reached between the three institutions. “This result shows Europe's resolve to develop rail transport and move forward towards the creation of a real European rail area”, he said, before adding that this is a strong signal for European citizens who are acquiring new rights. It is another step forward in “our efforts towards modal shift” which must allow the negative effect of global warming to be reduced, he said, concluding: “It is a real challenge that we must face”. (aby)