On 13 May 2026, the College of Commissioners adopted the Passenger Mobility Package, a set of three legislative proposals aimed at simplifying rail travel across the European Union. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas presented the package, which includes a Regulation on Rail Ticketing, a Regulation on Multimodal Digital Mobility Services, and an amendment to the Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights. The package seeks to create a single ticketing system, enhance transparency, and strengthen passenger protection, particularly for cross-border journeys.
Fitto framed the package as a shift from supply-side measures—such as the High-Speed Rail Action Plan presented in November 2025—to demand-side action for passengers. He emphasised that rail connectivity is a strategic issue for Europe, linking it to territorial cohesion and the Single Market. The package also aligns with the European Strategy for the Right to Stay launched the previous week, which aims to help people remain in their regions by improving access to opportunities through better transport links.
Tzitzikostas detailed the package's core elements, stating that passengers will be able to plan, compare, and purchase multimodal journeys across borders with a single click. Rail operators will be required to make ticket data available to independent vendors, and major ticketing platforms must display timetable information for competing rail services within 12 months of the rules entering into force. This transparency is intended to drive competition and potentially lower ticket prices. The package also ensures that passengers holding a single ticket for a journey involving multiple operators will be protected in case of delays or missed connections, with clear rights to assistance, rerouting, reimbursement, or compensation.
Tzitzikostas highlighted that the package benefits not only passengers but also businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, by providing fairer access to customers and fostering innovation in the rail sector. He described the vision as 'one journey, one ticket, full rights for the passengers.'
Stakeholder reactions
The package is expected to have a moderate impact on several stakeholders. For passengers, the main benefit is convenience and confidence, with easier booking and stronger rights. However, the requirement for operators to share data may impose compliance costs, particularly for smaller rail companies. Major rail operators with existing ticketing platforms may face increased competition, potentially reducing their market share. Independent ticket vendors and travel platforms stand to gain from access to data, enabling them to offer more integrated services. The European Commission positions itself as a facilitator of market integration, but the package does not include specific numerical targets or deadlines beyond the 12-month implementation step.
Policy orientation
The package represents a moderate shift toward deregulation and market liberalisation in the rail sector, mandating data sharing and transparency to stimulate competition. It balances consumer protection with business competitiveness, aiming to lower barriers for new entrants while ensuring passenger rights. The proposals are concrete, with detailed legislative texts, but their impact will depend on implementation and enforcement by member states.