The proposed Rail Passengers’ Rights and Obligations (Implementing) Regulations, 2024 aim to implement the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations and lays down rules applicable to international and domestic rail journeys and services throughout the Union provided by one or more railway undertakings licensed in accordance with Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area, with a view to enhance protection of rail passengers and encourage rail travel.

Until the exemption in Article 31(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/782 remains in effect, the Rail Passengers’ Rights and Obligations (Implementing) Regulations, 2024  will apply only to tour operators and ticket vendors as defined in Regulation (EU) 2021/782, and such operators and vendors shall accordingly comply with the requirements applicable to them, namely Articles 5, 9, 11, 12, 20(1), 21, 22, 24, 30 and 32(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/782.

For ease of reference, the following is the link to the User Guidelines for these Regulations.  These guidelines are being published in accordance with Article 3 of the Small Business Act (Cap. 512).