Montenegro has aligned its transport regulations with the European Union acquis and adopted a package of laws allowing passengers to seek compensation for train and bus delays. Carriers that fail to comply face fines of 800 to 2,500 euros. The measures also cover complaints about lost luggage and stations that are inaccessible to people with disabilities.
Nikola Veljović of the Ministry of Transport, which leads negotiating chapter 14, outlined the complaint process. Passengers must first complain to the carrier; if it does not act, they can take the case to the Ministry of Transport for road services, the Agency for Railways for rail services, or the Ministry of Maritime Affairs for maritime services.
Montenegro Railway Transport said passengers already have the right to a partial refund of their ticket price. Its representative Jovana Jovanović reported average train delays of about 10 minutes in 2023 and about 10 minutes on local services in the first nine months of 2024. Slow-speed restrictions, poor infrastructure and unforeseen circumstances were among the reasons cited for delays.
The railway operator has also identified damaged tracks, ageing bridges and frequent locomotive breakdowns as problems. In May, a contract was signed with Stadler, a company from Poland, for three new electric multiple-unit trains. The trains are planned to meet modern European laws and standards, including requirements for passengers with disabilities, and are expected to run on Montenegro’s railways by the end of 2028.
Separately, an investment cycle in transport infrastructure worth more than 225 million euros is planned. Reconstruction of the railway line from Golubovci to Bar is also expected. Railway representatives said they hoped a continuation of the positive trend would reduce the grounds for penalties.
