EC fine tunes policy options for MDMS

7 March 2023: DG MOVE (unit B4) organised a stakeholder workshop in the context of the ongoing impact assessment on the initiative on Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) expected to be adopted after summer 2023.

This legal framework should improve the functioning of the transport system and enhance interfaces between all modes of transport – traditional and novel ones – and, in doing so, reduce the negative external effects of road transport and benefit all transport users. The proposed new initiative on MDMS will contribute to implementing the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy’s Flagship 6 on “making connected and automated multimodal mobility a reality”.

The study now encompasses both B2C and B2B platforms, and covers measures previously assessed under the IA support study for a revision of the CRS Code of Conduct (Regulation 80/2009).

MDMS are defined as digital platforms providing information on traffic and travel data, such as location of transport facilities, schedules, availability or fares for more than one transport operator (i.e. even if the trips taken are with the same mode – rail, bus, air, etc.), which may include features enabling the making of reservations, bookings or payments or the issuing of tickets.

Further to this definition:

– The scope also covers platforms with only transport mode.

– Following stakeholders are covered by this definition: online travel agents, travel management companies, CRS/GDS (including new B2B content aggregators performing similar functions), metasearch engines, MaaS services deployed at local level, operators developing their own platform (when several competing operators are included). – Following distribution methods are not covered by this definition: direct distribution, Direct Connect systems, codeshare agreements, rail-air partnerships.

The consultant Ricardo presented the three policy options identified so far by the Commission stressing that DG MOVE’s preference goes for the second option establishing a level playing field for operators and MDMS (Option 1 facilitating integration through non-binding initiatives, option 3 foreseeing enhanced integration & multimodality):

• Policy option 2 goes a step beyond PO1 and introduces a number of mandatory provisions for specific categories of MDMS and operators instead of voluntary measures.
• Main areas of intervention where policy measures add to (or replace) those included in PO1:
  • Co-operation and fair competition: Voluntary FRAND principles outlined by the EC (PM6).
  • Specific obligations for MDMS and operators: Mandatory FRAND principles for large MDMS (PM8). Mandatory commercial agreements with willing operators for very large MDMS (PM9) and mandatory commercial agreements with willing MDMS for very large / PSO operators (PM10). Reporting and enforcement obligations (PM12 and PM13).
  • Multimodal booking/payment API standards (PM15) and rules for journey continuation with any operator set by the EC if no agreement is found by the industry (PM17).
  • Sustainability of the transport sector and societal goals: Mandatory display of information on GHG emissions by MDMS (PM20).

Next steps :

• Finalising assessment of impacts  and selection of preferred policy option by the European Commission.
• Proposal to be adopted by the Commission in Q3 2023.

The presentation from the meeting is attached for members only