91997E2759

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2759/97 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Family rail passes for European railways

In France and Germany you can obtain what is known as a family rail pass, and it is recognized by both countries.

1. Would it not be desirable to introduce a family rail pass throughout the European Union, valid in all Member States, to make rail travel more attractive and support the family?

2. Will the Commission be taking an initiative in this direction? If not, why not? If so, how?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (7 October 1997)

Whilst recognising the clear advantages for families and for patronage of rail of family rail passes, the Commission considers that tariff schemes and reductions are matters for the railway undertakings themselves, in line with their management independence.

In addition, given the principle of subsidiarity, it is for Member States to decide how far they would like to support tariff reductions on public transport.

Consequently, the Commission has no plans to bring forward a specific initiative regarding a Community-wide family pass.