Czech government postpones compensation system for delayed rail passengers

The Czech government has sidelined European rules that would offer Czech railway passengers the right to compensation for delays. The decision marks a victory for the biggest rail operator, Czech Railways, which faces heavy claims based on the current state of its services. But consumers’ groups are not so happy.

The Czech government on Wednesday decided to take advantage of an opt-out clause from new EU rail passenger compensation rules. So instead of passengers being able to start claiming compensation for delays from January next year they will now have to wait until the start of 2015.

Under the EU rules, passengers would have the right to at least a quarter of their fare returned if they are held up by an hour – and half of the ticket price for more than two hours.

The Ministry of Transport which demanded more time to put the new system into effect says the reason is the massive modernisation the rail network is now undergoing.

Karel Hanzelka is the ministry’s spokesman. “We asked for this to be postponed for five years for one simple reason. A major modernisation of rail corridors is taking place right now in the Czech Republic. Delays are being caused by the construction work. The transport companies are not responsible for the delays — it is the building work. So we thought it would not be fair to put the blame and responsibility on Czech Railways, when the fault lies with the works causing the train delays.”

Illustrative photo: archive of Radio Prague

Although some countries such as Britain have already said they will go ahead and compensate delayed passengers along EU lines starting next year, Mr Hanzelka says the Czech government is not alone in putting a brake on its application.

“As far as we know we are not alone. A series of other European states are taking similar steps. So in no way are we an exception here,” he added.

The delayed relief for the delayed has disappointed Martin Háyek, vice chairman of one of Czech passengers’ main associations.

“The Association of Railway Passengers is not satisfied with this decision because due to delays it can happen that passengers lose their connections or come late to their destinations or in some cases it can happen that they cannot reach their destination.”

Regular rail user Mr Háyek says that around 10 percent of Czech rail services are now delayed. And he points out that Czech Railways is already trailing Western rail companies such as Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, which already offers passengers a taxi or even hotel accommodation if they face problems because of delays. He says Czechs should have the right to similar treatment.

Passengers at Prague’s main rail station seemed to agree with the association’s complaints when asked whether they should wait five years for the compensation system.

“I do not think it is good. It is too long to wait — five years,” said one young passenger. “I think it is right that they set up such a system. It is a real mess when there are delays. The railways should sort it out. It is the responsibility of the railways to compensate people for the losses they incur,” said an elderly man.

Time will only tell if the new compensation system will arrive on time or if the delays problem continues and the state railway company faces crippling compensation payments.