Rail Ticket Vendors Advocate for Fair Competition in the Industry

The UK’s ticket retail market needs solid regulatory measures to keep it fair and appealing for investors, according to the Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) in their feedback on the government’s rail reform consultation.

IRR highlights that competition has revolutionized ticket sales, leading to lower prices, increased revenue, and a better experience for customers.

The shift from a fragmented system to a more centralized one presents an exciting chance to level the playing field by addressing current retailer concerns and fostering future competition.

The organization insists that Great British Railways (GBR) should manage its ticket retailing as an independent entity. This means ensuring complete legal and financial separation to avoid any bias or anti-competitive practices.

This financial independence would enable a fair review of commission rates based on actual retail costs while considering different pricing structures for various products. Transparency in commission allocation is crucial, with GBR Retail operating under identical conditions as other retailers.An independent regulator would help maintain market fairness.

The IRR proposes that the Competition & Markets Authority should play a key role in evaluating GBR subsidies with enforceable recommendations aimed at reducing market distortions. They have successfully challenged anti-competitive practices in countries like Spain and Germany but prefer collaborative solutions over legal battles.

A level playing field is essential; all retailers must have equal access to fares, products, data, and services. The Office of Road & Rail should oversee licensing processes to prevent conflicts of interest stemming from GBR self-regulation.

The design of this market must prioritize fairness from day one rather than adding fixes later due to misconduct. ‘the consultation acknowledged how third-party retailers significantly enhance the rail sector by driving innovation and attracting more passengers,’ said IRR CEO Anthony Smith in an interview with *Rail Business UK*. ‘We’re at a pivotal moment here—this is our chance to get it right’ so private entities can assist GBR in maximizing capacity and boosting revenue.’