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24.05.2016
Following investigations by the Bundeskartellamt, Deutsche Bahn AG has undertaken to make far-reaching changes to the sale of passenger tickets. The measures will improve the ticket sales possibilities of its competitors. In early 2014 the Bundeskartellamt had initiated proceedings against Deutsche Bahn AG on the suspicion that it had abused its dominant position in the sale of rail passenger tickets (see press release of 30.01.2014). The authority has now terminated the proceedings on account of the commitments undertaken by the company.
Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: "Competition in the rail sector depends on competition in sales, i.e. beginning with the sale of rail tickets. We initiated a proceeding in order to end Deutsche Bahn's obstructive practices in impeding its competitors' ticket sales. Deutsche Bahn has now offered extensive commitments which make it much easier for its competitors to sell tickets. For example, it will now allow them to sell their tickets in future in railway station shops. There will no longer be any rental contract clauses which have so far hindered this. This will give competition in rail services new impetus."
Deutsche Bahn AG's commitments contain the following points:
In a decision taken in accordance with § 32b of the German Competition Act (GWB), the Bundeskartellamt has declared the commitments offered by Deutsche Bahn AG binding. The authority has limited the valildity of its decision to 31.12.2023.
Further information on the proceeding is available in a case summary (available in German only) on the Bundeskartellamt's website.