Odpowiedzialność wobec pasażera za przedwczesny odjazd środka transportu publicznego

Abstract

The inspiration for this article came from the Court of Justice of the European Union judgment in case C-146/20 Azurair et al. Punctuality is extremely important in public transport. Problems arise not only when buses or trains are delayed, but also when they leave too early. Among the regulations aimed at ensuring punctuality is – in addition to European Union regulations – also Article 62(1) of the Polish Transport Law. This study aims at discussing prerequisites for liability to a passenger for the early departure of means of public transport. Amongst other things, the following questions are taken into consideration: with whom does the passenger conclude the contract and from whom can he claim compensation? can compensation be claimed by a person legally entitled to free travel (100% discount)? can compensation be claimed by a passenger who was in time for departure (albeit early)? The conclusion of this analysis is that, although compensation under Article 62(1) of the Polish Transport Law is rarely claimed in practice, it is a necessary provision. It guarantees those few passengers who have suffered damage as a result of the early departure of the means of transport (and are able to prove this damage) the right to full compensation.