Minimum requirements on minimum breaks and daily and weekly rest periods in the occasional passenger transport sector

Bus drivers want to be more flexible in the classification of their breaks. It is often incomprehensible to passengers why breaks cannot be taken as necessary if they comply with the minimum breaks of at least 45 minutes in total, e.g. 3 x 15 or 1 x 15 + 1 x 30 or 1 x 30 + 1 x 15 or 3 x 20 min.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The Swedish Bus and Coach Federation welcomes the European Commission's proposal for specific derogations on driving and rest time rules applicable to coach tourism drivers in the EU. This acknowledges the specificity of coach tourism as a peoples business, including the fact that the current rules are not suited for group tourism by coach.

IRU welcomes the European Commission's proposal for specific derogations on driving and rest time rules applicable to coach tourism drivers in the EU. This acknowledges the specificity of coach tourism as a peoples business, including the fact that the current rules are not suited for group tourism by coach.

The National Passenger Transport Federation welcomes the initiative of the European Commission. Occasional passenger transport has specific features which require particular adaptation of the rules on driving and rest periods for drivers. In addition, the level playing field between domestic and international occasional passenger service providers is currently uneven.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

La Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Transportes en Autocares, ANETRA, apoya la propuesta de la Comisión Europea de revisar el Reglamento CE 561/2006 sobre tiempos de conducción y descanso, estableciendo disposiciones específicas para los conductores de autobuses y autocares.

To whom it concerns, On behalf of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC), I am writing to express our strong support for the European Union's proposed specific rules for the driving and rest time of coach drivers.

CONFEBUS takes note of the adoption by the European Commission of the proposal to review the EU rules (EC Regulation 561/2006) on driving and rest times specifically for drivers of ocasional and tourist buses and coaches.

The Malta Sociological Association welcomes this initiative, which aims to address the specific needs of bus and coach drivers in organising their working time. In this regard, the MSA believes that a social impact assessment, conforming to guidelines such as those of the International Association for Impact Assessment, should be employed to ensure decent and equitable job conditions and services.

The Irish Road Haulage Association would like to use the opportunity of the reopening of the regulation to encourage good practices on direct ferries and level the playing field between hauliers from Island nations and other EU road hauliers. The ferry slot is an immovable deadline that truck drivers must meet in order to return home or to base.

The CNA, the National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, in particular through CNA FITA, associates almost 4.200 companies in the passenger transport sector (car bus hire with driver, car hire and taxi). Bus hire companies combine local public transport services, school transport services and tourist bus services.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

In order to encourage good practices on direct ferries and level the playing field between hauliers from Island nations and other EU road hauliers, the representatives from the Island nations road haulage industry have the following requests in order to truly promote intermodal transport all over Europe: --> Before embarking on a homeward/return ferry journey and provided that road safety is not thereby jeopardised…

We also very much welcome the Commission’s draft regulation on coaches. Our much-needed drivers feel that they are not protected by the rules currently in force, but rather that they have gone through. It is precisely the opposite of what the legislature intended to achieve once with the legislation.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

We warmly welcome the Commission’s draft regulation on appropriate rules specifically for coaches. In the day-to-day business, we receive feedback from our drivers that drivers do not feel protected by the inappropriate rules, but rather are shamed and harassed, as the needs of coach drivers – and ultimately our customers – are not reflected in the rules.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Coach drivers would welcome the planned change. Bus drivers feel struggling with the current rules. It does not help anyone if the coach industry has to adopt wrong regulations from the lorry sector. Driving times and rest periods for bus drivers in the travel industry must be separated from the rules for lorry drivers.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The WBO, as the Association of Baden-Württemberg bus and coach undertakings, expressly welcomes the Commission’s draft regulation on appropriate rules specifically for coaches. Through our further training staff Combus, we train 1200 participants in around 80 training courses each year, specifically for the bus sector, as part of the professional driver qualification.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Ladies and gentlemen, we organise around 220 training courses in Germany on the digital tachograph and social legislation, in particular for control authorities. As an expert in digital tachographs and social legislation, I am also working in court. I am an official member of the EU Tachograph Forum and regularly invited to the Enforcement Working Group. I also have presentations and presentations in both bodies.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

It is necessary to provide for certain derogations from Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 for tourist trips by coach and bus. It is clear that tourist transport has completely different needs from freight transport. Tourism trips are structured with an average of 300 km per day, with a few hours of driving and so much time for visits and other activities, such as lunches/dinners.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

IRU, the voice of the commercial road transport sector, welcomes the opportunity to participate in the initiative of the European Commission (EC) inception impact assessment specifically relating to the “need for specific driving and rest time rules for drivers in occasional transport of passengers”.

1. The possibility of an exemption from the time slot is provided during the tour, in order to allow evening excursions which often fail to return to the 15-hour period, even though the day as a whole foresaw very limited driving times and extensive driving breaks.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The trade union vida is strongly opposed to any extension of driving times and reductions in rest periods. There are countless studies on the load and fatigue of bus handlers and bus handlers. Throughout Europe, it is precisely at the time of Covid that there is a lack of protection for drivers, which is why they do not have the arbitrariness of the nat. Are exposed to governments.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Dear Sir/Madam, My views on changes to Lenk and rest periods include: Hitherto lenk and rest periods are very well entrenched in drivers’ minds, so only Covid protection should be adapted. All kinds of lockdown aid should be channelled Among other things, the forms should be simplified. Special filters must protect against a Covid 19 infection; All AHA rules must also be respected.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

We believe that the current driving and rest time rules already provide more than enough flexibility for the needs of the industry and that increased flexibility would directly counteract the objectives of the Regulation. Working conditions in the sector will not be improved, but more flexible rules will, on the contrary, have a negative impact on the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users.

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) considers that any change to the current EU legal framework on driving and rest time rules in bus and coach will come against the policy objectives of the Regulation. It will fail to improve working conditions in the sector, and will negatively impact the safety of drivers, passengers, and all other road users.

The National Passenger Transport Federation (FNTV) is a professional association that brings together road passenger transport companies (TRVs) and new mobility actors. FNTV represents more than 1 300 companies of all sizes (VSEs, SMEs and groups). Its members employ 100 000 employees. The National Passenger Transport Federation welcomes the initiative of the European Commission.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The main goal for The Norwegian Ministry of Transport is road safety, and it is important that the rules for driving- and rest time maintain this purpose. Bus drivers carry many people along the roads and it is important with safe and healthy working conditions for drivers and safe travelling for the passengers.

CONFEBUS welcomes the commitment reflected in the latest amendment of driving times and rest periods rule establishing a revision clause of Regulation 561/2006 that will allow the European Commission to assess if more appropriate rules can be adopted for drivers carrying occasional road passenger transport services.

The work of a coach driver has already been extensively discussed. It must therefore be clear now that there are no real rest periods during the period of service. It is therefore extremely important, even vital, to regulate rest and leisure opportunities very well.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

If you, our MEPs in the EU Commission, believe that drivers’ rest periods/driving times should be worsened, you are precisely responsible for the number of accidents caused by tired buses/lorries drivers. Anyone injured or fatally injured, be it a driver or a person involved, then goes to their account! — and their gree is due to ever cheaper drivers.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

As President of the ITALY TURISMO Association (not of a category but of the entire tourism sector), I would like to make a comment by our Technical Consult on Transport and Infrastructure. Premise: It is necessary to distinguish between freight and passenger transport.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

Which operator, whether freight forwarding or transport, is irresponsible risking the lives of its drivers, passengers/freight and all other road users on the road? Do they really want this? Who, in the half-way, has a cooperative training and training cooperative, so what happens? Savniss? Of which? Or is there a premium?

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Good evening, I would like to stress that the current legislation which equates some freight transport rules to passenger transport should be revised. The 2 sectors have very different needs, especially when we talk about transport linked to travel by people in the field of tourism.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

The passenger transport sector is going through a period of very heavy crisis and difficulty as a result of the pandemic and of national measures which have blocked the mobility of people and tourist flows, thus completely eliminating demand.

ANAV, the national association of operators in the medium and long-distance transport sector and the tourism sector, warmly welcomes the European Commission’s approach to formulating specific rules for drivers of occasional passenger services.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

I am striking against a worsening, or tightening, of the rules on Lenk and rest periods, as the job is so demanding enough and the growing challenges on our roads do not make it easier. More needs to be done before politicians recognise the pressures and risks on Europe’s roads. We do not drive gravel from A to B, but the highest good! Therefore, there is no deterioration in working conditions.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

UILTRASPORTI considers that any change to the current EU legal framework concerning driving and rest time rules for bus and coach drivers would run counter to the political and social objectives of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and its amendments (Regulation (EC) No 1054/2020). We believe that the changes would not improve working conditions in the sector, but would have a negative impact on the safety of the service.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

With regard to the EU proposal to change the driving and rest times of bus drivers, the position of Fit Cisl is summarised below. Like FIT CISL, we believe that any change to the current EU legal framework concerning driving and rest time rules for bus and coach drivers would run counter to the political and social objectives of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and its amendments (Regulation (EC) No 1054/2020).

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

On behalf of Fellesforbundet, (Federation of trade unions in Norway,) I will here submit our consultation response in the case of possible changes in the driving and rest time regulations for buses and coaches Fellesforbundet is the largest trade union in the private sector in Norway with a total of about 160,000 members. We organize in many occupational groups - including bus drivers.

Please do not allow for a worsening of rest periods!!!! The health protection of colleagues in the transport service must be at the forefront, after which everything must be subordinate. The EU is now at the forefront of this. If the EU ‘fails’, a large number of workers will have long-term health impacts. Stress in the driving service can only be dealt with with very good rest and driving times.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

I am surprised by this debate, whose motivation is based only on a concept of productivity which goes against: — driver’s well-being as demonstrated by the ETF study on flight fatigue, — passenger safety. Indeed, by increasing driving times, this will lead to increased risks when driving.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The health of drivers and road safety for all road users are at serious risk with new exemptions for bus and coach transport. From the viewpoint of the trade union ver.di, further shortening and postponement of rest periods should be strongly rejected. Tourism trips In addition to driving the bus itself, bus drivers have a wide range of tasks.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

FNV takes the view that Article 561/2006 should remain unchanged on the basis of the following arguments. Recently, a study of 2800 drivers in the EU has shown that fatigue among drivers is worryingly high and that this fatigue is mainly due to too long days, insufficient rest and the irregularity of the hours to be worked.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

As FILT CGIL, we believe that any change to the current EU legal framework on driving and rest time rules for bus and coach drivers would run counter to the political and social objectives of Regulation 561/2006 and its amendments (Regulation 1054/2020). We believe that the changes would not improve working conditions in the sector, but would have a negative impact on the safety of the service.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

We propose the following reforms targeted at bus and coach transport in the EU’s Driving and Rest Time Regulation. Break provisions: A break of 45 minutes (4.5 hours per driving) could be divided into 3 parts, each of at least 15 minutes.

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

The recommendation to evaluate the proposition of creating more appropriate rules for passenger transport, especially for occasional services as defined in point 4 of article 2 of Regulation (EC) 1073/2009, should be welcomed. It is appropriate that all stakeholders have their views made known to the Commission on this matter.

The Austrian Coach Association (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, Berufsgruppe Bus) is convinced that for adopting suitable driving and rest time rules for occasional coach services the past legislative procedure for revising regulation 561/2006 in general would have been the best option.

The activity of passenger transport has characteristics which differ significantly from the activity of freight transport and needs its own specific rules for the protection of safety and security which take account of these particularities.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

Proposal for comments: Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 1.

Filed in Slovak · English published by the European Commission

Bus drivers’ driving times and rest periods are good at present and should not be changed, at least in a more lenient way. Studies show that driving and accidents are fatal in the current state. The work of a bus driver often involves more than just driving away from the driver’s rest. On-demand services often also have to cater for passengers’ other needs when they are not on the road.

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

The revision of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 on driving times, breaks and rest periods must necessarily take account of the specific features of bus and coach passenger transport. The problem that sometimes arises is to reconcile the needs of the tourist group and the necessary road safety that must be applied to all ‘actors’.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

According to the study “Project fatigue” carried out by the ETF, which proves that tiredness is fatal. This is not only unthinkable for our drivers, other road users and customers. We cannot imagine the idea of extending driving times and rest periods for bus drivers. Drivers who work in the meantime can already work 21 hours, solo 15 hours, while weekly rest can already be reduced to 24 hours.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Following the study carried out by ETF, "project fatigue" proving that fatigue is deadly. Not only for our drivers, fellow road users and customers, we find it inconceivable that there are even plans to extend the driving and rest times for bus and coach drivers. Drivers working in pairs are already allowed to work 21 hours, solo 15 hours, and the weekly rest period can be reduced to 24 hours.

Following the study carried out by ETF, “project fatigue” proving that fatigue is fatal. This is not only for our drivers, other road users, customers, we find it inconceivable that consideration is even given to extending driving times and rest periods for bus and coach drivers. Drivers when working in duo are already allowed to work for 21 hours, solo 15 hours, the weekly rest can already be reduced to 24 hours.

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission

Dansk Erhverv welcomes the Commission’s initiative on special rules on driving and rest periods for bus and coach drivers in the case of occasional services. At present, the same rules apply to drivers of the carriage of goods and bus and coach passengers. The two sectors differ significantly in a number of respects, which is reflected in the driver’s driving needs and pattern.

Filed in Danish · English published by the European Commission

We hereby declare that the CSC-Transcom opposes any change in the current driving and rest periods for the bus and coach sector. Fatigue alters any reflex and concentration. This therefore represents a very serious danger on the road. The recent ETF study on driver fatigue clearly shows that fatigue among bus and coach drivers is systematic and widespread across Europe.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

As BTB ABVV, we maintain our position against any changes to the current driving and resting times in buses and coaches. The past has already shown how many accidents and incidents are caused by drivers who lose focus or, in the worst case, nod off at the wheel.

We expressly welcome the fact that the European Commission is rapidly addressing the mandate under the revision clause in Article 8 (9) of the revised Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and consider the problem described above to be correct. We also agree that the pandemic will unfortunately not be without consequences in the sector: The number of companies, licences and authorised coaches will decrease.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The German Bus and Coach Operators’ Association (bdo) is still of the opinion that for adopting suitable driving and rest time rules for occasional coach services the past legislative procedure for revising regulation 561/2006 in general would have been the best option.

The activity of passenger transport has characteristics which differ significantly from the activity of freight transport and needs its own specific rules for the protection of safety and security which take account of these particularities.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

Regulation (EU) No 561/2006 on driving times, breaks and rest periods for drivers of both buses and lorries does not take account of certain fundamental differences which should be taken into account in the bus and coach sector. In fact, flexibility should be introduced in the organisation of the working time of bus drivers, as set out in the following proposals: 1.

Filed in Italian · English published by the European Commission

This is a most welcome inception impact assessment about bus and coach drivers - EU rules on driving and rest times, as promised in the last legislative process regarding (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006) and the revised rules adopted by the co-legislators on 15 July 2020 (Regulation (EU) 2020/1054).

It is not for the driver of a coach to explain to his customers that he must take a break of 45 minutes or 30 minutes at his destination 15 minutes before he reaches his destination. Or that he has to arrange re-routing because his time is ‘on’ I propose that, if a coach driver is allowed to use an additional 30 minutes to reach his destination after the expiry of his legal driving time, so that the driver can still…

Filed in Dutch · English published by the European Commission