Rail: Compensation for loss of quality
from Jürgen Vogl
The passengers lodged a complaint with the rail company, which offered a voucher worth 20 euros. However, as the ticket price for the journey had amounted to a total of around 300 euros for the family, the people affected turned to the apf. The apf mediated positively and obtained a sum of 100 euros in cash, as heating failures and unusable toilets were significant quality defects. The complainants were satisfied and the arbitration procedure was discontinued.
Tips from the apf:[nbsp]
- The main service of a transportation contract is basically the transportation itself. However, the failure of the heating or air conditioning (depending on the season), blocked WC facilities, etc. represent a significant loss of quality. In such cases, passengers are generally entitled to an appropriate price reduction.
- In cases of doubt, you can refer to the so-called "Frankfurt Table" - which lists, among other things, guideline values for quality defects in hotel accommodation. Although this applies primarily to package tours, it can be used for an approximate assessment of a possible claim. It is available at: www.konsument.at/reisen/frankfurter-liste-zur-reisepreisminderung
- Ask the train crew to confirm the loss of quality in writing.
- Ask the train crew about changing compartments, as not all compartments may be affected by the incident.
Further interesting information on your passenger rights in rail, bus, ship and air transport can be found on the apf homepage at www.passagier.at