The Council of the European Union has agreed its position on the proposed reform of the 2007 Rail Passengers Rights Regulation. The updated Regulation is intended to improve the rights of passengers, including those with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as ensuring a more uniform application of rules and improved provision of information. The proposal revises the existing Regulation and applies to both domestic and international journeys and services. The agreed position of the Council means that pre-notification for receiving assistance at railway stations remains at 48 hours, with assistance only provided if staff are present, even if trains arrive or depart outwith these times.
The European Disability Forum (EDF) has criticized the general approach agreed by the Council, suggesting that it doesn’t improve what they consider as weak rights of passengers with reduced mobility within the Regulation. They have campaigned on this issue more widely, including issuing a joint statement which Alzheimer Europe signed. The Commission first presented the proposal in September 2017. Following the decision of the Council, it will negotiate with the European Parliament to determine the final terms of the final text. You can read the full text of the agreement at: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-14047-2019-INIT/en/pdf
You can read the full position of the EDF at: http://www.edf-feph.org/newsroom/news/councils-general-approach-rail-passengers-rights-revision-unacceptable
