Review of a request by FirstGroup plc for a variation to the undertakings given following its acquisition of the Scottish Passenger Rail franchise

Corporate Author:

Great Britain Competition Commission

Author:

Peter Freeman (chairman, report group), David Saunders (chief executive, Competition Commission)

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

In this report (released online in 2010), the Competition Commission (CC) has permitted FirstGroup to vary undertakings it gave when it took over the Scottish rail franchise in 2004. The changes will allow FirstGroup to withdraw seven loss-making bus routes and modify a further eight covered by the undertakings in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Of the services being withdrawn, five are in Edinburgh and two in Glasgow; all the routes being modified are in Glasgow. The CC has also refused permission for FirstGroup to modify one other route in Glasgow. The CC has allowed the changes having been satisfied that there is no reasonable prospect of the routes becoming profitable. The CC has found that FirstGroup's proposals have not been made for the purpose of switching passengers from bus to rail services, which was the concern identified in 2004. The changes will not therefore undermine the purpose of the original undertakings. Alternative bus services are available on the parts of routes concerned -many of these services are operated by FirstGroup and will remain controlled by the undertakings.

Extent	iii, 29p.	ISBN	9780117080904
Size	N/A	Price	£23.00
Format	Paperback	Published	13 Apr 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges