IRU calls for balanced EU framework on platforms displaying travel options

29.08.2023 - 08:56 / traveldailynews.com / European Commission / Vicky Karantzavelou

Raluca Marian, the IRU Director of EU Advocacy, emphasized the necessity of an EU initiative to establish a well-functioning MDMS ticketing system.

BRUSSELS – While the European Commission is still considering the best option for an EU framework to govern multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS), the road passenger sector is calling for an overarching relinking system to connect MDMS platforms and transport operators, with clear obligations regarding the listing of transport options.

In a letter to EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, IRU welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to establish an affordable MDMS system that enhances passenger benefits.

However, depending on the design of the future EU framework, the obligations imposed on transport companies by future MDMS rules may empower road transport companies or, to the contrary, condemn them to becoming subcontractors, threaten their activities and, ultimately, drive them out of business.

IRU Director of EU Advocacy Raluca Marian said, “An EU initiative is necessary to enable a functional MDMS ticketing system. However, in principle, it should be limited to the governance of metasearch platforms which simply display travel options. 

“When it comes to actual ticket sales, which is central to business risks and survival, the EU intervention should be limited to restraining MDMS platforms with market power from rejecting or mistreating transport companies willing to use them.” 

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.