Improving EU Bus Passenger Rights for Greater Consumer Protection
Bus travel is a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable mobility ambitions, and the EU has made remarkable progress in safeguarding passengers’ rights. Yet, the European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) has pinpointed opportunities to elevate current regulations and meet passengers’ needs more effectively, particularly in areas like baggage handling, communication standards, and compensation practices. This policy paper presents empowering recommendations that can enrich existing frameworks, paving the way for a fairer and more seamless travel experience for all bus passengers across the EU.
Executive summary
The European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net), based on an extensive review of more than 4,000
cases and several consultations with European Consumer Centres, has identified key regulatory gaps in the current EU bus passenger rights framework. This policy paper highlights critical issues frequently encountered by consumers, particularly in the areas of:
- baggage handling
- communication during the journey
- compensation policies
ECC-Net urges the EU legislators to address these gaps to ensure fairer and more
effective protection for bus passengers in all Member States.