The European Commission is preparing new rules, expected to be unveiled, aimed at making cross-border rail travel easier across Europe’s fragmented railway network. Under the proposals, major rail operators would be required to sell tickets for journeys that involve multiple companies using a “one journey, one ticket” approach. This would include forcing operators to make it possible to purchase rivals’ tickets through their own websites, and to share relevant booking or ticketing data with other platforms.
Current arrangements often require passengers to buy separate tickets from different rail operators to complete trips across multiple countries, which can make travel planning more complicated and increase total costs. The Commission’s efforts are also framed in broader policy goals to improve connections across Europe and reduce reliance on air travel.
The proposals also relate to passenger protections. One outlet reports that passenger rights would extend across trips involving multiple operators when they are booked as part of a single purchase. However, the plan may face resistance from some railway operators, including publicly run national “champions,” and it would still need approval from EU member states before becoming law.
