On Air Now Daniel Fox 8:00am - Noon
Now Playing Lisa Stansfield Change

Ely-Norwich Train Fares To Be Capped After Monopoly Probe

Train passengers travelling between Ely and Norwich will see their fares capped following a CMA investigation.

Earlier this year, train company Abellio was awarded the East Midlands rail franchise by the Department of Transport.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) subsequently reviewed whether any competition issues arose from this award as part of its mergers work.

The CMA raised concerns on the Norwich and Ely and Thetford and Ely routes, as Abellio would operate both East Midlands Trains and Greater Anglia, and so provide the only services on this line.

The CMA was concerned this could reduce competition, as passengers would have no other rail options, which could lead to higher fares. The CMA has found no competition concerns on the other routes Abellio would operate.

The CMA has now accepted proposals from Abellio including inflation-linked fare caps on advance fares on the Norwich to Ely route, and on all unregulated fares on the Thetford to Ely route.

The operators have also agreed to maintain the availability of advance fares on both routes at existing levels. 

Colin Raftery, Senior Director of Mergers at the CMA, said, "Thousands of people use this route, so it’s vital they don’t lose out due to reduced competition.

"We’ve thoroughly examined Abellio’s proposals to make sure they address all of our concerns, and believe these price caps will protect passengers from potentially facing higher fares."

These measures mean the award of the franchise is able to go ahead without a more in-depth merger investigation, referred to as a ‘Phase 2’ investigation.

More from Local News

Get The App

Take Star Radio with you wherever you go and listen to us live. Interact with the studio and call, email, text and Tweet us all directly from within the app.

Weather

  • Fri

    Sunny intervals

    14°C

  • Sat

    Medium-level cloud

    14°C

  • Sun

    Sunny intervals

    14°C

  • Mon

    Light rain

    10°C