Railways on track in implementing EU passenger rights laws
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Railway undertakings have effectively implemented most of the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1371/2012 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations (Rail PRR). This is the main result of a study published on 13 November. The European Commission commissioned Steer Davies Gleave (SDG) to undertake research on the implementation of the Rail PRR. CER welcomes the main findings of the study which mirrors the analysis undertaken in the rail’s sector’s own report on the implementation of Regulation 1371/2007, published in October by CER and CIT.
Three years after the entry into force of the Regulation (EC) 1371/2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations (Rail PRR), the European Commission is preparing its implementation report on the PRR Regulation, due to be published next year and to be followed by draft guidelines for the implementation of the Regulation later in 2013. In the meantime, a study commissioned by the Commission and undertaken by Steer Davies Gleave (SDG) underlining the Commission’s analysis on the implementation of the Rail PRR was completed and published yesterday. CER welcomes the main findings of this study, which underline that there are no major problems with the implementation of the Regulation by railway undertakings and highlights the sector’s effectiveness in implementing most of its requirements.
Furthermore, the study underlines that requirements to provide compensation, rerouting or refunds, and assistance to passengers in the event of travel disruption had also been effectively implemented in many respects. The same positive results concern the requirements of providing assistance for disabled passengers and persons with reduced mobility (PRMs). The study outlines that some railway undertakings even provide a better service than the Regulation requires.
According to the study, the main requirement which has not been implemented effectively is the requirement to publish service quality reports on the website of the European Railway Agency (ERA). However, CER does not fully agree with this finding. According to an analysis made by CER, today, more than 40 rail companies representing about 75% of passenger traffic across the EU have published their quality reports on the ERA website.
At the beginning of October, CER and the International Rail Transport Committee (CIT) have published the ‘Rail’s Sector’s own Report on the implementation of Regulation 1371/2007’, indicating the measures taken based on the Rail PRR as well as best practices going beyond the requirement of the Regulation. The report confirms the positive outcome described in the SDG study. In addition, CER is pleased to report quite remarkable punctuality figures (i.e. 98% at 15 minutes and 96% at 10 minutes).
Libor Lochman, CER Executive Director, stated:“The outcome of the Steer Davies Gleave study demonstrates how well the European railways have generally managed to cope with customers’ expectation. Railways are not only delivering what regulations require, but go beyond, reaching out to citizens in a real spirit of service and with a full consciousness of their social responsibility. The rail sector’s work on passengers’ rights show that railways do not necessarily need regulation to deliver. They simply do it because it is part of their traditional commitment. Let’s hope that in trying to reshape the framework within which the railways are operating, the European legislator will be wise enough to make sure that this spirit of service to the community is preserved.”
The CER/CIT report ‘Implementation of the Regulation on Rail Passengers’ Rights (EC) No 1371/2007: the Rail Sector’s Report’ can be downloaded at the CER website.
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Network Rail to consult on plans to improve Manchester's railways. Plans to build a viaduct connecting Manchester’s Victoria, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations are due to undergo public consultation from Tuesday 20 November.
The proposals, which form part of Network Rail’s plan to improve railways across the north, will be showcased in a series of exhibitions across Manchester and Salford.
Known as the Ordsall Chord, the new piece of track will help make rail travel across the region faster and more frequent, and could also help to boost the economy by £4.2bn and create 20,000 – 30,000 extra jobs throughout the area. Located to the north west of Castlefield Junction, and crossing the River Irwell between Salford and Manchester, the new chord will free up space on the network for faster, more frequent services, including: - Two new fast trains per hour between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool - Six fast trains an hour between Leeds and Manchester - A new direct train through Manchester to the airport - Faster journey times to Hull, Newcastle and the North East Jo Kaye, Network Rail route managing director said: “The Ordsall Chord is the first part of our wider plan to bring a better railway to the north of England. Our proposals will help the economy, making it easier for people to travel between the towns and cities of the North as a result of greatly improved connections across the region. We are keen to talk to people about the progress we have made on the scheme and are looking forward to hearing their views.” Last year saw Network Rail hold its biggest ever consultation on plans for improving rail in the North, and is now inviting comments on the next phase of consultation. Events are being held at the following locations and times: · Tuesday 20 November, 4pm – 8pm, Museum of Science & Industry · Wednesday 21 November, 12pm – 8pm, Museum of Science & Industry · Friday 23 November, 12pm – 8pm, Creative Media Centre, Salford · Saturday 24 November, 1pm – 5pm, Museum of Science & Industry · Monday 26 November, 4pm – 8pm, Salford Central station · Tuesday 27 November, 10am – 5pm, Manchester Town Hall · Wednesday 28 November, 4pm – 8pm, Manchester Piccadilly station More details on the scheme and full addresses for the venues are both available on Network Rail’s website: www.networkrail.co.uk/ordsall Contact information
CZECH open-access operator Leo Express began trial operation with passengers on November 13 in the final stage of the certification process for its fleet of five Stadler Flirt emus.
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November 14, 2012
World Railway News 14th November 2012
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