A PYMNTS Company

EU Probes Spanish-Owned Renfe, Over Rail Ticketing

By  |  April 30, 2023

The European Commission is conducting a formal investigation to evaluate whether Renfe has engaged in anti-competitive behavior in the Spanish passenger rail transport market by denying rival ticketing platforms access to its content and real-time data.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Renfe is the state-owned rail operator in Spain. Customers can purchase tickets through various means, including Renfe’s direct websites and apps or third-party ticketing platforms that offer online ticketing services.

    Related: Spain: Arriva will be allowed to compete with Renfe: CNMC

    The Commission has expressed concerns that Renfe may have limited competition in the Spanish market for online rail ticketing services by denying third-party platforms access to complete information about its tickets, discounts, and features, as well as real-time data related to passenger rail transport services.

    Renfe provides its content and real-time data on its own websites and apps, but has not allowed direct access to third-party ticketing platforms. These platforms display offers from multiple rail carriers and require access to Renfe’s complete content and real-time data to customize their offers for customers.

    The Commission has expressed concern that Renfe’s refusal to supply content and real-time data could hinder platforms from competing with Renfe’s direct digital channels, which could negatively impact consumers.