EU proposes ‘one journey, one ticket’ system to simplify cross-border rail travel
The European Commission has proposed new rules aimed at making rail travel across Europe easier to plan and book, including the introduction of a “one journey, one ticket” system that would allow passengers to purchase combined cross-border rail journeys through a single transaction.
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The proposal is part of a wider effort to simplify regional, long-distance and international train travel, which the Commission said is currently hindered by fragmented booking systems and differing national rail platforms.
Under the plans, passengers would be able to search, compare and buy tickets covering multiple rail operators in one place, whether through a national railway website or an independent booking platform.
The Commission said the reforms are designed to make rail travel more accessible and attractive as part of broader climate and transport policy goals, including encouraging a shift away from short-haul flights.
A central element of the proposal is the introduction of stronger passenger rights for journeys booked under a single ticket covering multiple operators. These would include assistance, rerouting, reimbursement and compensation if delays or disruptions cause passengers to miss onward connections.
The rules would also require ticketing platforms and rail operators to share data and present travel options in a transparent and neutral way, allowing consumers to compare services more easily, including on factors such as price and journey characteristics. Platforms would be obliged to ensure fair access for different operators, while operators would need to make their tickets available for sale in advance through digital channels.
The European Commission said the measures respond to strong public demand for simpler booking systems and more reliable passenger rights across borders.
The legislation will now be submitted to the European Parliament and EU member states for consideration before it can be adopted. If approved, rail operators and ticketing platforms would be given a transition period to update systems and comply with the new requirements.