Brussels, 24/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 23 April, the European Parliament approved at first reading two reports on proposals for regulations on the rights of maritime passengers (report by Michel Teychenné, PES France) and on the rights of bus and coach passengers (report by Gabriele Albertini, EPP-ED, Italy), fine-tuning the initial proposal made by the European Commission last December. As far as maritime transport is concerned, the text: - introduces compulsory compensation for delays and cancellation of trips (except in the case of force majeure, the level of minimum indemnities should, MEPs say, amount to 25% of the ticket price for a delay in arrival of between one hour and 119 minutes and 50% of the ticket price for a delay in arrival of two hours or more , and 100% of the ticket price if the journey is cancelled); - ensure assistance free of charge in ports to passengers with reduced mobility (on condition prior notification is given) and allow member states the possibility to rule out urban or suburban transport from the scope of the scheme, for example, sightseeing tourist boats. The same text, say MEPs who agree with the Commission on this point, should govern maritime passenger transport and inland waterway transport. Bus and coach passengers will be entitled to a comparable alternative service in the event of cancellation, overbooking or delay in departure of more than two hours and compensation of 50% of the price of the ticket without losing their right to travel when they agree to the other transport services proposed. They also benefit from additional compensation of up to 50% of the price of the ticket when the transport company does not provide passengers with other services or information on alternative transport services. In the event of decease or injury of a coach or bus passenger, the transport company must pay an advance on the compensation proportionate to the harm suffered, only when the transporter is directly responsible for the accident. In the event of decease, this advance cannot be less than €21,000. Bus and coach companies should foresee specific training for their personnel and ensure assistance to persons with reduced mobility. Urban, suburban and regional areas are excluded from the text. (A.By./transl.jl)