EU reaches deal on flexible rest times for bus drivers

Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states agreed on Monday evening that bus drivers will be able to organise their breaks more flexibly in the EU.

For example, drivers will be able to divide their prescribed rest period of at least 45 minutes for a 4.5-hour journey into two breaks of at least 15 minutes.

Drivers will also be able to postpone their daily rest period by one hour if the total journey time is less than seven hours. They can use this option once during a journey of at least six days, and twice if the journey lasts eight days.

Better working conditions

"The new rules on breaks and minimum rest periods will ensure better working conditions for bus drivers and guarantee better services for tourist journeys across Europe", said Belgian Mobility minister Georges Gilkinet.

The decision taken by the EU member states is based on a proposal put forward by the European Commission in May, and still has to be formally approved by the Parliament and member states.

^{© BELGA PHOTO MAXIME ASSELBERGHS}