Multimodal booking

Key points

The EESC:

• welcomes the proposed regulation as a useful step towards improving transparency and competitiveness in the EU ticket distribution market, notably through neutral presentation of search results, limits on paid placement, obligations for platforms with significant market presence and the prohibition of anti-competitive contractual clauses;
• considers, however, that the proposal does not address the key problem of the very limited availability of multimodal journeys purchasable through a single ticket, and calls for more far-reaching measures to ensure effective multimodal booking;
• calls for equal application of data access, non-discrimination and FRAND requirements across all transport modes, for stronger interoperability through harmonised technical standards, and for clearer information for passengers on rights, responsibilities and points of contact in the event of disruption;
• stresses that implementation must remain proportionate and inclusive, with coordination with existing digital rules, continued physical access to ticketing services and adequate investment in cross-border transport infrastructure.