2023-06-26 19:26:51
It has informed her this Monday that she will consult with the agencies and platforms of online ticket sales if they believe that the changes to which you have committed are enough to correct the obstacles to competition that Brussels believes that the Spanish company was imposing by not sharing complete and real-time data on its activity with them.
Between the committed changes by Renfe with Brussels to avoid a sanction, it is making available to the platforms “all current and future content and real-time data shown on any of its own online channels”, which implies that it is a “dynamic commitment”, has indicated in a statement the Community Executive.
The changes must also be applied no later than February 29, 2024, with some “limited” exceptions in the case of data for which Renfe is obliged to initiate a tender procedure to allow access to them.
In addition, it must share with the agencies and platforms the technical specifics one month in advance and information on any changes or added real-time data at least four months in advance, with the aim that rivals can adapt their computer systems.
Renfe’s offer will now be submitted to public consultation of the relevant stakeholders for a period of six weeks from its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The commitments offered by Renfe would remain in force for an indefinite period.
If the changes are confirmed, the Community Executive warns that will be in force for an indefinite period but that its compliance will be monitored by an administrator appointed by Renfe who will report to Brussels for a period of ten years.
If a company fails to comply with the commitments agreed with the community services in an investigation for barriers to competitionthe Commission may impose a fine of up to 10% of the company’s worldwide turnover.
Investigation open in April
Community services began an in-depth investigation last April for alleged abuse of dominant position by Renfe in the sale of online tickets in the Spanish market, for example by denying other competing agencies or platforms detailed information about their discounts, price ranges or real-time occupancy data.
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The Spanish railway company does offer this information on its own web pages and applications and the Community Executive considers that the other online search, comparison, reservation and ticket payment actors should have access to the full content.
In May, Renfe announced its intention to modify the existing contracts with the ‘on line’ and ‘off line’ travel agencies so that they can apply and advertise discounts on the ticket price of the company’s commercial services, keeping their own income, and advertise the services through affiliate websites without prior authorization from the entity.
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