Competition and consumer issues

Competition issues

This page contains information on the provisions of the Competition Act. It also explains how to make a complaint under the Competition Act 1998 and provides details of previous cases that we have investigated.

The Competition Act 1998 outlaws any agreements, business practices or conduct which have a damaging affect on competition in the UK.

We apply and enforce the Competition Act in relation to the railways in the UK. Where conduct has an effect on trade between member states we will apply Articles 101 and 102 of the European Treaty.

Consumer issues

This section gives information on how we will help improve the credibility and effectiveness of passenger protection in the mainline railway, through means including using our powers and influence as a designated enforcer of consumer law under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to promote both train operator and passenger awareness of consumer rights.

Market studies

This section provides information on how we fulfill our responsibilities to keep rail markets under review and to take appropriate measures where markets are not working to the benefit of users or funders. It includes guidance on how we will select markets for study, how those studies will be conducted, and details of previous studies.

ORR forum of consumer experts

Our forum of consumer experts provides advice and guidance from a passenger perspective. This enables us to better consider how the work we do can be targeted to ensure better outcomes for passengers.

Last updated: 13 January 2011