ADN members support policies that create a competitive rail market and better services for all – consumers, operators and independent vendors. We advocate for:
Clear and enforceable passenger rights
Independent ticket vendors exist to help customers throughout their journey, but opaque
contractual terms and lines of communication with operators often limit how far we can go. Uncertainty over the application of the rules by operators, missing information, and an
unclear chain of responsibilities can result in passengers not receiving the best support. The legislative framework for passenger rights should be completed, with particular attention on journey continuation, multi-modal travel, emissions information and the ability for third party vendors to process compensation and reimbursement requests. Regulators should enforce regulations decisively, so that everyone is enabled to do their part in supporting passengers.
Fair commercial conditions for all market participants
Independent vendors must be able to compete fairly in a market dominated by incumbent transport operators. Legislation should include an obligation for dominant operators to negotiate with independent vendors based on fair, reasonable and discriminatory conditions (FRAND), especially around remuneration. Full access to all relevant data – including all fares and features – must also become the standard across the EU. Together, these two interventions would remove the largest obstacles independent vendors are facing.
A digital market that works for everyone
We operate in the digital market alongside large platforms that, without proper guardrails, can gatekeep access to customers, increase the cost of doing business, and dramatically limit consumer choice. The EU should continue its trailblazing work to ensure dominant online players are not able to insulate themselves from competitive pressures or pose existential threats to smaller businesses by enforcing the Digital Markets Act and monitoring potential areas of friction.
A competitive European market for rail
Everyone stands to gain from a more vibrant, diverse and competitive rail sector. Policies and regulatory intervention should encourage the emergence of challenger operators in countries that have yet to fully embrace liberalization. The European Single Market for rail should be completed, encouraging the creation of new cross-border routes, including night trains. Rail should also be allowed to compete fairly with other transport modes, ensuring parity in areas like taxation.
More investment in rail infrastructure
The shift to rail is only possible if there are enough trains and enough tracks to respond to
growing demand. Public budgets and operators’ own financing capabilities do not seem
sufficient to reach Europe’s ambitious Green Deal targets. The EU has a key role to play in
supporting investment in the infrastructure and rolling stock that underpin the rail market.