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UK: Watchdog pauses First Group’s West Coast Rail franchise probe

By  |  November 17, 2019

The UK’s competition watchdog has paused its investigation into the decision to award the West Coast Rail franchise to First Group after the company offered to make changes to the deal. 

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    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced last week it would escalate its probe into First Group’s joint venture with Trenitalia on the route unless the companies agreed to make changes, such as imposing a price cap on the line. 

    The regulator stated it had “reasonable grounds” to believe adaptations offered by the companies could satisfy its concerns. 

    Under its phase one investigation, the CMA highlighted competition concerns on 21 routes where passengers would only be able to choose between train companies affiliated with First Group. 

    An initial investigation found that the joint venture could “lead to higher fares and less availability of cheaper tickets.”

    Full Content: City AM

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