The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has released a study analyzing competition in the passenger and freight rail transport sector in Portugal. The report identifies barriers to entry and expansion for new operators and provides recommendations to the Government, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), the Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT), and passenger rail operators.

AdC emphasizes the need for competition in passenger rail transport through competitive tendering for public service contracts and allowing commercial service operators to enter economically viable routes. The study highlights the importance of this analysis amid significant investments in rail infrastructure, including high-speed rail lines.

To promote competition, AdC suggests limiting extensions of existing public service contracts to necessary periods and conducting international competitive tendering for future contracts. The authority also recommends reassessing public service obligations on routes with commercial potential and ensuring that ancillary services are contracted separately.

Access to rolling stock and human resources is identified as a major barrier for new operators. AdC recommends that future tender procedures ensure effective access to rolling stock and facilitate staff transfers to new concessionaires.

The study also discusses the technical challenges posed by the Iberian gauge, which complicates access to rolling stock. AdC advises the Government to consider competition implications when deciding on future high-speed rail lines and to communicate gauge decisions timely.

Additionally, the report addresses barriers to ticketing services by alternative platforms, urging the Government to ensure compliance with European travel information rules and recommending best practices for passenger rail operators to foster competition.

Overall, the AdC believes that implementing these recommendations will enhance competition in the rail sector, benefiting consumers and the economy through improved service quality and lower prices.