Compensation makes bus delays a lucrative business

Date published: 09 July 2010

Ridiculous new EU legislation means that delays to buses caused by accidents, roadworks or heavy traffic will make passengers liable for compensation, said Paul Nuttall, UKIP Euro MP.

The legislation voted on yesterday in the European Parliament will mean that bus companies are liable for all associated costs of delays regardless of the cause, even if it is beyond the bus company's control.

“Many airlines are still suffering from the compensation they found themselves liable to pay because of the volcanic ash clouds which covered Europe earlier this year,” he said.

“It is ridiculous to hold bus companies hostages to fortune in the same manner,” said Mr Nuttall, MEP for Bury.

“When governments are trying to encourage people onto public transport, loading operators down with extra costs seems a crazy thing to do.

"Of course absurd legislation is the norm for European Parliament and the faceless Commission.

“It is unavoidable that fares will have to rise to take account of the open-ended liability which legislators are imposing upon bus companies. Rural routes and urban routes on a small profit margin will simply cease to exist, said Mr Nuttall.

Under the rules, which also apply to passengers travelling by sea and inland waterway, travellers would be entitled to cash refunds for delays or cancellations. They would also get up to £1,800 for lost or damaged baggage and unlimited compensation in the event of a passenger's death in a bus or coach accident.