IP/09/44

Brussels, 13 January 2009

Commission gives green light to the new Danish system of reduced tariffs in favour of certain categories of passenger travelling in long-distance bus services

The European Commission decided today that the new Danish system of reduced tariffs in favour of certain categories of passenger travelling in long-distance bus services is compatible with the Treaty.

The objective of the Danish measure is to ensure that specific groups of customers - children, (i.e. families with children), students and pensioners - receive fixed discounts on long-distance busses by concluding public service contracts with individual long-distance bus operators. The purpose of the scheme is firstly to ensure adequate transport services to low-income groups of the population and in general to boost public transport. The scheme will also help increase transparency on the market. Lastly, the scheme will help to create harmonised conditions for competition between railway undertakings, which already receive compensation for giving similar or higher discounts, and long-distance bus operators.

The measure envisages first, a 25% discount to pensioners and students travelling from Friday to Sunday in long-distance bus services. The bus companies will be fully reimbursed for this discount.

The measure also envisages free transport for up to two children up to 12 years of age accompanied by an adult during all week days travelling in long-distance bus services. In return, the company will receive a compensation of 50% of the price of a standard adult ticket.