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Lobbying group EU Travel Tech has urged Germany’s competition regulator to ensure that rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) makes it easier for third-party mobility platforms to sell tickets on DB trains.
Following a three-year investigation, the Bundeskartellamt, which regulates competition in Germany, came to the “preliminary conclusion” last year that DB was “abusing market power” through certain practices and contractual clauses being applied to online mobility specialists.
EU Travel Tech, which represents GDS owners, online travel agencies and travel management companies, said it was “concerned” by media reports that the Bundeskartellamt was currently considering what it called “unambitious commitments” from DB.
The group said the commitments being offered by the rail giant were “weak” and, if accepted by the regulator, would continue to “undermine” the sale of DB tickets through third party channels.
“The investigation against DB is relevant across Europe, as it will set an important precedent for what is permissible in the EU’s largest rail market,” added EU Travel Tech in a statement.
“In addition, the issues addressed in the investigation are central to the EU’s upcoming legislation on Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS), which is envisioned to open distribution of transport tickets, thereby making travellers’ lives easier and their choices greener.”
Bundeskartellamt president Andreas Mundt said in April 2022 that mobility platforms were “entitled to access train traffic data”, such as information on delays or cancellations. Mundt added there were also concerns that some of DB’s contractual clauses may “hinder mobility platforms as DB’s online partners”.
Earlier this year, several travel groups urged the EU to ensure that airlines and train operators are required to share their data with third parties, as part of the MDMS initiative.
Emmanuel Mounier, secretary general of EU Travel Tech, added: “The Bundeskartellamt’s decision will be a key step in the ongoing struggle to make rail tickets more widely searchable and bookable across the EU.
“This would benefit consumers, increase competition and support Europe’s sustainable travel goals. Deutsche Bahn should not be allowed to continue to subject its distributors to unreasonable terms.”
BTN Europe has approached Deutsche Bahn for comment on EU Travel Tech’s statement.
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