Train-delay discount
An EU directive will allow consumers to seek compensation for late trains, but Poland has opted out for now.
Starting from December 4, a new EU directive will force rail companies throughout Europe to compensate passengers for delays. If a train is between one and two hours late, passengers will be able to claim compensation of 25 percent of the ticket price. If a delay is longer, they will be able to receive 50 percent of the ticket price back. To date, passengers have only been able to claim compensation if a delay caused a demonstrable financial loss, such as missing a flight. However, the EU has also given member states the right to temporarily opt out of parts of the new regulation. According to the PM's Chancellery, Poland chose to take advantage of a grace period lasting till 2011; until then it will not apply the new regulations to city, suburban and regional public transportation agencies.
"The main reason [for Poland opting out] is the ongoing renovation of many kilometers of tracks and lines, which limit train speeds and result in delays. The obligation to pay compensation would force these companies to bear enormous costs," said a statement from the Chancellery. Considering that railroad companies in Poland are either state-owned or run by local governments, the decision came as no surprise. But Poland's Constitutional Tribunal will take a stance on the matter this week. It could decide that compensation must be paid by all public transportation firms – something that the government has been trying to avoid.
Despite Poland's decision to postpone implementation of the regulations, PKP Intercity last week began compensating passengers, but not in cash. The passengers of delayed trains are now given vouchers for the purchase of another ticket at the EU-mandated discount.
According to the company's spokesperson, Paweł Ney, the obligation will not result in substantial losses. "Eighty-five percent of PKP Intercity trains are on schedule," he was quoted by PAP as saying.
Marcin Poznań