New rights for coach and bus passengers following EU ruling
The rights of bus and coach passengers travelling anywhere inside the European Union are being brought in line with existing legislation on standards of travel for rail, air and boat transportation.
The guidelines, which have been approved by the EU government, are due to come into force in 2013. The new legislation will mean that coach and bus passengers embarking on a journey of more than 150 miles will be eligible for protection by the same rules which govern public transport by rail, air and boat.
The news has been welcomed by disability rights groups as the new rules will offer access to free assistance at transport terminals for disable and infirm passengers, and in some cases, free travel for carers travelling with passengers will mobility issues.
As well as ensuring care for disabled passengers embarking on coach and bus journeys inside the European Union, the new legislation will also protect all travellers against delays of over 2 hours, overbooking and cancellations, by equipping passengers with stronger compensation rights.
Aside from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, coach and bus passengers will be entitled to a full refund, and 50% extra, if an operator is unable to honour a pre-booked ticket.
The new legislation for coach and bus travel will come into force in 2013.