EEC cuts red ta
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• Freedom for EEC bus and coach operators to offer their services in other member states has been proposed this week in two Brussels regulations, designed to cut through existing red tape.
The scheme, which now goes before EEC Transport Ministers, would not only allow an operator to run services on routes between two other member countries, but also to pick up passengers in one EEC country and transport them to his own.
Furthermore an operator could offer internal services — in effect cabotage — within another EEC country.
According to an EEC Commission statement made this week, the changes will allow PSV companies to "think European in developing their businesses and take advantage of all the opportunities this offers."
The latest move from Brussels to liberalise passenger transport is in response to a 1983 judgement made by the European Court of Justice which stated that freedom to provide these services must be granted within a reasonable time.
Under current rules all passenger traffic originating in one member state can only be served by national carriers. "It is clear that such a situation is no longer tenable," says the Commission. "Travel by bus and coach has expanded rapidly in recent years, with the bus holding its own despite the development of private motoring. The quality of service has improved, fares are attractive and vehicles and roads have become safer and more comfortable."
Brussels is proposing a number of changes to make the market more flexible. These include: 0 Vehicles will be able to make an outward journey empty to collect a group in another country.
0 The group may be picked up at more than one point in the country of departure. 0 It will be easier to provide local excursions in the country of destination.
0 The definition of a group will be made more flexible. There are also proposals to reduce paperwork by eliminating the list of passengers which drivers must now carry, and to make it easier to apply for authorisations.
To improve safety a timetable of drivers' hours and rest periods will be part of the control document and powers of inspection will be extended.
The cabotage rules will not affect regular services which depended on itineraries, timetables and fare structures, but they will open up occasional services by allowing coach companies to offer excursions or tours.
British officials say any moves towards liberalising the transport market are welcome, although attention must be paid to safety.