According to Germany’s cartel office, state rail operator Deutsche Bahn has been found to be in violation of antitrust laws and is required to make changes to certain practices and contractual clauses.
“Mobility platforms’ services, which enable integrated route planning for travellers, are inconceivable without the integration of Deutsche Bahn’s offers and transport data. Therefore, Deutsche Bahn is subject to abuse control under cartel law and has special obligations towards other companies,” said Andreas Mundt, president of the cartel office, reported Reuters.
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Deutsche Bahn disagreed with the decision made by the cartel office and expressed its intention to appeal.
The decision also has significant economic implications for the business, as the required changes to the distribution model will incur high additional costs without corresponding savings or additional revenues.
