Compensation for train passengers arriving soon

3.28.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Sep 2005

UK train passengers who are delayed or bumped off on national and international train journeys might soon be able to claim increased compensation following a vote in the European Parliament today.

Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat East Midlands MEP, welcomed the outcome.

Speaking after the vote in Strasbourg, he said:

"Tens of thousands of train passengers in the UK face delays or cancellations on a regular basis. If this law is passed, passengers could claim 25% of the ticket price in cash if they arrive at their destination more than two hours late. Meals, refreshments, accommodation and assistance would have to be provided if necessary."

He added:

"This is a good day for train passengers in the East Midlands, across the UK and the European Union who use the train for professional or leisure purposes. This new law would help alleviate the stress caused and provide an incentive to train operators to offer a better and more efficient service to their customers. The proposal has passed at Parliament's first reading stage and must now go through more decision phases, but it is on the right track. Under existing EU law, air passengers are already entitled to compensation if their flight is overbooked, cancelled or delayed. This proposal aims to extend those rights to train passengers on national and international services in the UK and across Europe."