Rolling stock rail market verdict pencilled in for 2009

The Competition Commission has invited evidence from interested parties as it prepares to conduct an investigation into the leasing of rolling stock for franchised passenger services and the supply of related maintenance services in Britain - a sector which is dominated by three bank-owned rolling stock companies.

The move follows rail regulator Chris Bolt's decision in November 2006 to refer the activities of the ROSCOs to the Competition Commission. He said he supported the view of the government, which had been in discussions with the bank-owned leasing companies for the previous two years, saying that they were not acting competitively. The CC will now carry out its own investigation, to see if any features of the relevant markets prevent, restrict or distort competition and, if so, what action should be taken to remedy the adverse effects on competition.

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=3981