ECTAA welcomes the new “passenger package” presented by the European Commission, which includes proposals on rail ticketing, multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS), and the revision of rail passenger rights.
In a press release, the organization contends that these measures could improve consumers’ access to European rail services under conditions that are “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” (FRAND). According to ECTAA, better access to railway content would strengthen “transparency, consumer choice, and innovation in rail distribution.”
The association also notes several cautionary points. It argues that the FRAND principles should not be confined to the rail sector alone but should also apply to air transport and other mobility sectors.
ECTAA cites in this regard the antitrust case involving Ryanair in Italy as an example of practices deemed unfavorable to independent distributors.
In a press release, the organization contends that these measures could improve consumers’ access to European rail services under conditions that are “fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory” (FRAND). According to ECTAA, better access to railway content would strengthen “transparency, consumer choice, and innovation in rail distribution.”
The association also notes several cautionary points. It argues that the FRAND principles should not be confined to the rail sector alone but should also apply to air transport and other mobility sectors.
ECTAA cites in this regard the antitrust case involving Ryanair in Italy as an example of practices deemed unfavorable to independent distributors.
Ensuring Fair Access to Railway Content
« Ensuring fair access to railway content is an important and welcome step for both consumers and independent travel distributors », said Eric Drésin. The Secretary General of ECTAA nevertheless believes that « the same market dysfunctions exist in air transport and should be addressed coherently ».
ECTAA also expresses caution about opening the sales platforms of historical rail operators to competing services. While this measure could promote competition among rail companies, the organization fears that it may also reinforce the clout of large operators in distribution.
« We fear that some of the proposed measures could inadvertently create “super-competitors” », added Eric Drésin, pointing to a risk for independent distributors and the diversity of the market.
ECTAA also expresses caution about opening the sales platforms of historical rail operators to competing services. While this measure could promote competition among rail companies, the organization fears that it may also reinforce the clout of large operators in distribution.
« We fear that some of the proposed measures could inadvertently create “super-competitors” », added Eric Drésin, pointing to a risk for independent distributors and the diversity of the market.
