Bus Rights.

Last activity 07 March 2013 by Toon

1599 Views

10 replies

Post new topic

GuestPoster566ViP07 March 2013 09:14:20

3692

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/vi … nt_1724358

To clarify: From http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger … des-3.html

Additionally, the following rights will be applicable to all services (including those below 250 km):
non-discrimination with respect to tariffs and contract conditions for passengers based - directly or indirectly on nationality,

Look out Malta!

The article:
New EU rights for compensation for bus passengers when services are delayed or cancelled do not apply in Malta because journeys have to be of 250km or more.
It is estimated up to 70 million EU citizens make bus and coach journeys each year.
The new bus and coach regulations, which came into force this month, provide for:
Non-discrimination based on nationality regarding tariffs and other contract conditions;
Non-discriminatory treatment for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility. Specifically, free-of-charge assistance both at designated bus terminals and on board buses and coaches, as well as financial compensation for loss of or damage to their mobility equipment;
Adequate and accessible information for all passengers before and during their journey, as well as general information in bus terminals and on the internet about their rights;
Reimbursement of the full ticket price or rerouting in case of overbooking, cancellation or delay of more than 2 hours from the estimated time of departure (only applicable for journeys of more than 250 km distance);
Compensation of 50% of the ticket price in addition to the reimbursement of the full price in case of overbooking, cancellation or a delay of more than 2 hours from the estimated time of departure, when the bus and coach company fails to offer the passenger the right to choose between reimbursement and rerouting (only applicable for journeys of more than 250 km distance);
Adequate assistance (snacks, meals, refreshments, as well as, if necessary, accommodation) in case of cancellation or delay of more than 90 minutes for journeys longer than three hours (only applicable for journeys of more than 250 km distance);
Compensation for death, injury, loss or damage to luggage caused by road accidents;a complaint handling mechanism established by the bus and coach companies and available to all passengers;
Setting-up of independent bodies in each EU Member State with the mandate to enforce the regulation and, where appropriate, to impose penalties.

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 09:20:23

3703

"Additionally, the following rights will be applicable to all services (including those below 250 km):
non-discrimination with respect to tariffs and contract conditions for passengers based - directly or indirectly on nationality,"

the govt is arguing there is no discrimination based on nationality, only on residency (which can be legal under EU law)

GuestPoster566ViP07 March 2013 09:26:24

3692

georgeingozo wrote:
"Additionally, the following rights will be applicable to all services (including those below 250 km):
non-discrimination with respect to tariffs and contract conditions for passengers based - directly or indirectly on nationality,"

the govt is arguing there is no discrimination based on nationality, only on residency (which can be legal under EU law)

Indirect discrimination then.

ToonCyprus Expert07 March 2013 09:56:05

9841

redmik wrote:
georgeingozo wrote:
"Additionally, the following rights will be applicable to all services (including those below 250 km):
non-discrimination with respect to tariffs and contract conditions for passengers based - directly or indirectly on nationality,"

the govt is arguing there is no discrimination based on nationality, only on residency (which can be legal under EU law)

Indirect discrimination then.

indirect absolutely Red

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 09:56:27

3703

If you have a residence document you pay the lower fares, if you don't have, then you are supposed to pay the higher fares. Where there maybe illegal discrimination is that people "looking" Maltese aren't always asked for ID

I know Maltese citizens not living in Malta who have had to pay the higher fares as they couldn't show a Maltese ID card.

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 09:59:45

3703

Need to bear in mind that discrimination is not necessarily illegal

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 10:06:30

3703

The situation isn't helped by having a govt minister who doesn't understand the meaning of the word discrimination. By continuing to insist it isn't discriminatory when it clearly is shows the minister doesn't understand simple English.

ToonCyprus Expert07 March 2013 10:14:12

9841

GNG it is highly visible for sure - even the taxes argument is inflamatory - i dont disagree with local taxes being used to benefit local residents but it could be done so much better and in a non visible and non inflamatory way. it just needs a little more thought...and much of what is now happening could have been completely and oh so easily avoided.

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 10:16:54

3703

toonarmy9752 wrote:
GNG it is highly visible for sure - even the taxes argument is inflamatory - i dont disagree with local taxes being used to benefit local residents but it could be done so much better and in a non visible and non inflamatory way. it just needs a little more thought...and much of what is now happening could have been completely and oh so easily avoided.

agree, but so many times Malta has to do things from scratch, rather than learn from the experience of other countries

georgeingozoViP07 March 2013 10:19:43

#10

3703

Just from a PR stance, having a government endorsed system where tourists pay more, when you are also trying to counter the bad publicity from some businesses charging tourists more is counter productive.

ToonCyprus Expert07 March 2013 13:34:48

#11

9841

totally agree its very difficult and not something that will be cured overnight for sure. Welcome to Malta and Gozo

Articles to help you in your expat project in Malta

How to drive in Malta
Malta is a relatively small island measuring only 27km long and 14,5km wide, so it seems on paper to be very ...
Finding work in Gozo
If you are planning to live in Malta, why not settle and work in Gozo? Although it is quieter than the main island ...
Accidents and emergencies in Malta
A stay abroad is usually associated with great memories. However, it could happen that an accident or emergency ...
Resident and work permit for Malta
Getting a resident card and a work permit in Malta is an essential step for any expat. Living in Malta does ...
Finding work in Malta
Malta is world famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, this tiny island nation ...
Accommodation in Malta
As an expat in Malta, one of the first steps is to find accommodation. Malta has a quickly and continuously ...
Phones and internet in Malta
Despite being a small archipelago, Malta hosts a very advanced telecommunications network. If you are ...
Pregnancy in Malta
As an expat in Malta, you will experience some important life events, such as pregnancy. As an expectant mother, ...