Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) today commented on the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) publication of its draft Retail Code of Practice for consultation. The Code sets out the principles and behaviours that Great British Railways (GBR) must follow as both an online retailer and the body responsible for managing the online rail retail market.
Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said:
“The draft retail Code of Practice is a step forward for rail retail. It confirms, for the first time, fair and equal access to fares, products, systems and data, which does not exist today. The requirement when using public funding for GBR not to act in a way which excludes competitors, distorts the market or abuses its position is a welcome core tenet of the proposals.
However, we believe there remain areas in the broader framework that require further work to turn these principles into reality in the interests of millions of rail passengers. We will engage strongly in the upcoming consultation to ensure the Government delivers on its promise of a fair, open and competitive market.”
IRR will be responding to the consultation. The draft Code and details of how to respond are available on the ORR website.
