MEPs adopted by 504 votes in favour, 63 against and 89 abstentions, the regulation previously agreed by the European Parliament and the Council to consolidate the rights of assistance and compensation for all passengers travelling by bus or coach in the European Union. The new legislation will come into force from 2013. Member States have a period of two years from now to implement the regulation.

After two years of tricky negotiations, and following the agreement reached by the European Parliament in conciliation committee about bus and coach passanger rights back in November 2010, MEPs have now approved these rules in Plenary session. With the new Regulation on bus and coach passengers, the EU will have to provide minimal assistance to passengers in an accident and provide an alternative route or a ticket refund in case of delays or cancellations. Also the new law implies to provide appropriate assistance to reduced-mobility passengers who make a request at least 36 hours before a departure.  If an operator is unable to provide suitable assistance, a reduced-mobility passenger will have the right to be accompanied at no extra cost by a person of his/her choice. In addition, Member States shall designate the bus stations in which they provide assistance to persons with disabilities.

The regulation aims to strengthen the rights of care and compensation for all passengers travelling by bus or coach in journeys exceeding 250 km. Regardless of distance, a package of fundamental rights will apply to all regular services. These rights include information before and during a journey and the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility. European regulation is necessary in this case since, unlike what happens in the field of aviation and maritime transport, passengers on these means of transport are one of the most vulnerable in case of accident, as both buses and coaches do not have a uniform regulation establishing measures of protection.

For such services, the new rule sets a minimum care accident that may include first aid, food or transportation. Besides, it provides for compensation of 50% of the purchase price as well as a full refund of the ticket, "if an operator cancels a service and cannot honor the transport contract, even by other routes or means of transport, following a delayed departure of at least two hours.  If there is a delay of over 90 minutes according to the timetable, passengers must be given snacks and refreshments. If a trip is broken or if there is an accident or a delay requiring passengers to spend the night on the spot, the operator will also be required to offer up to two nights in a hotel at a maximum price of €80. The operator can only be exempted from these obligations if the problem is caused by natural disasters or weather conditions that prevent the journey taking place under safe conditions".

Moreover, the operator must provide further financial compensation in case of accidents, including funeral expenses, personal injury and damaged or lost luggage. The ceiling set by Member States for compensation in event of death or injury can not be less than €220,000. In case of damaged or lost luggage, the ceiling must be at least €1,200. The regulation also foreseen provides full compensation for damage to wheelchairs and other assistance devices.