EU Tourism Sector Calls on MEPs to Back Coach Driver Proposal

Photo source: IRU.

The European tourism sector is urging MEPs to support the improved proposal for coach driver driving and rest time rules, put forth by the lead rapporteur of the European Parliament’s Committee for Transport and Tourism (TRAN).

In a letter sent earlier this week, IRU (International Road Transport Union), ETOA (European Tourism Association), and ECTAA (European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations) pointed out that the current regulations for coach drivers are ill-suited for the occasional passenger transport sector.

Currently, coach tourism drivers adapt their itineraries based on their passengers’ preferences, resulting in more frequent breaks and stops during journeys. This approach combines longer trips, typically at the beginning and end of long-distance tours, with shorter trips during the tours themselves, resulting in an average daily driving time of approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Photo source: Wikimedia.

Raluca Marian, the Director of EU Advocacy at IRU, emphasized the need to complement the Commission’s proposal with necessary amendments to enhance coach drivers’ working conditions and alleviate the unnecessary stress they experience daily.

“Applying rules designed for truck drivers to coach drivers hinders the growth of Europe’s tourism sector and undermines the safest and most environmentally friendly form of collective passenger transport,” she added.

On his part, Eric Drésin, Secretary General of ECTAA, called for immediate action, stating, “There is no time to lose. The coach driver regulations must be finalized this year to facilitate institutional negotiations and the enactment of the law.”

Photo source: Wikimedia.

The Transport Committee, responsible for this matter, is scheduled to vote on its report on November 16, followed by a vote in the Parliament’s plenary in December.

IRU is the world’s road transport organization, comprising more than 3.5 million companies providing mobility and logistics services in over 100 countries worldwide.

ECTAA represents approximately 80,000 travel agents and tour operators in Europe, offering consultation and selling transportation, accommodation, leisure, and other tourism services, as well as integrated products to both leisure and business customers.