EU: Antitrust Commission investigates practices of Czech railway incumbent

EU Commissioner in charge of competition policy Margrethe Vestager said: “Competition drives prices down and service quality up. This is what we need in railway passenger transport, especially when we’re serious about cutting our carbon emissions. We need to take a close look at České dráhy’s business practices to make sure they do not push out competitors to the detriment of passengers.”

ČD is the main railway operator in the Czech Republic and until 2011 it was the only rail company active on the Prague – Ostrava route. After the market entries of competing rail passenger companies RegioJet in 2011 and LEO Express in 2012 on the Prague –Ostrava route, ČD significantly decreased the prices it charged to passengers on the route. The Commission of course welcomes vigorous price competition to the benefit of passengers. However, the Commission has concerns that ČD may have charged prices that are so low that it could not cover the costs of the service. Such practices can hinder competitors from remaining in the market to the detriment of passengers.

Following a complaint, the Commission carried out inspections at the premises of ČD in April 2016. The opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation; it means that the Commission will treat the case as a matter of priority.

Full Content: New Europe

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