The implementation of the European Accessibility Act in the transport sector is not just a new regulation; it’s a paradigm shift toward a more inclusive and fair service for all citizens. If you manage a transport company or simply want to know your rights, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about this important legislation.
What exactly is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act, officially known as Directive (EU) 2019/882, is a European Union law designed to remove and prevent accessibility barriers in a wide range of products and services. Its objective is simple but ambitious: to ensure that people with disabilities and older adults can participate fully in society, with the same access as the rest of the population.
Far from being a mere recommendation, the Act establishes a set of common and binding accessibility requirements for all Member States, seeking to harmonize the market and promote the free movement of accessible products and services.
The Transport Sector: Who and what does the Directive affect?
Transportation is one of the central pillars of the Accessibility Act. The regulations are not limited to a single type of vehicle, but rather encompass a complete ecosystem of services we use every day to get around.
Covered Transportation Services and Products
The law focuses on key points of contact between the passenger and the service provider. Accessibility requirements for transport apply to:
- Websites: Information portals, route planning, and ticket sales.
- Mobile applications (Apps): All native applications offering transportation services.
- Electronic ticketing and purchasing systems.
- Ticket vending machines and self-service check-in terminals.
- Transportation information: Including schedules, real-time traffic information, and details about cancellations or delays.
Regulated Types of Transport
The directive clearly specifies which passenger transport services must comply with these standards:
- Air transport
- Bus and coach transport
- Rail transport
- Sea and river transport
This means that everything from an airline’s website to a ticket machine or a bus schedule app must be fully accessible.
Requirements of the European Accessibility Act in the transport sector
The European Transport Accessibility Act establishes obligations in both the digital and physical world.
1. Digital Accessibility: Websites, Apps and Electronic Tickets
The heart of accessibility in modern transportation is digital. Websites and mobile apps must comply with internationally recognized standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This means that information and functionality must be:
- Perceptible: Content should be presented in ways that users can perceive (e.g., alternative text for images).
- Operable: Interface components and navigation should be manageable (e.g., full keyboard navigation).
- Understandable: Information and interface controls should be easy to understand.
- Robust: Content should be compatible with a wide variety of assistive technologies (such as screen readers).
The harmonized standard EN 301 549 is the main technical reference in Europe for meeting these digital accessibility requirements.
2. Accessibility in the Physical Environment: Machines and Terminals
Self-service machines, such as ticketing and check-in machines, are also subject to strict requirements. They must be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, considering aspects such as the height of the controls, display contrast, the ability to use headphones for audio information, and compatibility with assistive technologies.
Application Deadlines:
Here comes the most important point for businesses: time is running out. The deadline for all new products and services covered by the Act and launched on the market to comply with accessibility requirements is June 28, 2025.
Although the directive provides for certain transition periods for existing services, the 2025 date marks the point of no return. Ignoring this date can lead to significant penalties and the exclusion of an ever-increasing segment of the market.
Transposition in Spain: Law 11/2023
Each Member State has had to transpose the European directive into its national legislation. In Spain, this has been embodied in Law 11/2023, which not only adopts the European requirements but also establishes the supervisory framework and the sanctioning regime for companies that do not comply. It is crucial for companies operating in Spain to be fully familiar with this law.
What does the EAA require for apps?
Apps that offer services such as:
- Ticket purchase,
- information on routes and schedules,
- reservation services,
They must be accessible to people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive disabilities.
Main points of EN 301 549 applicable:
Support for assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers).
- Text alternatives for images.
- Consistent and predictable navigation.
- Adequate color contrast.
- Adjustable font size.
- Accessible gestures: Avoid exclusive dependencies on complex gestures.
- Keyboard control: All functionality must be operable without a touchscreen.
Requirements for Web Portals for purchasing tickets
Ticketing websites are one of the most critical elements under the EAA.
- Comply with WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Labels correctly associated with fields.
- Buttons, menus, and filters: accessible and keyboard navigable.
- E-tickets in accessible formats.
Requirements for Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks (e.g., ticket machines) are also covered by the EAA.
Accessible touch interface:
- Screen reader compatible.
- Provides audio output (headphone jack).
- Wheelchair-accessible screen height and angle.
Entry alternatives:
- Possibility of operating via keyboard or physical controls.
Clear instructions:
- Synchronized audio and text.
- Simple language.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using inaccessible captchas.
- Forms with fields without clear labels.
- Menus that rely on exclusive gestures or hover.
- E-tickets in formats not compatible with screen readers.
- Not considering the use of headphones at kiosks for audio output.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act in the transport sector is much more than a legal obligation; it is a business opportunity and an ethical imperative. Companies that embrace accessibility will not only avoid fines, but will also expand their customer base, improve the experience for all users, and build a stronger and more socially responsible brand. The future of transport is, without a doubt, an accessible future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Directive (EU) 2019/882 is the official name of the European Accessibility Act. It is the EU framework legislation that establishes mandatory accessibility requirements for a set of key products and services, including transport, with the aim of harmonizing regulations across all Member States.
Yes, but with nuances. The Act provides an exemption for microenterprises (those with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million) only if providing accessible services represents a “disproportionate burden.” However, they must clearly document and justify why they cannot comply.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are a globally recognized set of technical guidelines for creating accessible web content. For the transport sector, complying with the WCAG is the most reliable way to ensure that their websites and mobile applications meet the digital accessibility requirements of the European Accessibility Act.
From June 28, 2025, people with disabilities will have the right to access transport services (websites, apps, vending machines) that are fully accessible by design. This strengthens their right to information, to purchase tickets independently, and to greater independence when traveling within the European Union.
Sí.
Each Member State, through its transposition law (such as Law 11/2023 in Spain), establishes its own sanctions regime. These can include substantial fines, the obligation to correct non-compliance, and the temporary withdrawal of the service from the market until the regulations are complied with.