The CNMC proposes to liberalize bus routes of more than 100 kilometers to lower prices

MADRID, 20 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has recommended that the Government liberalize the bus transport sector on routes of more than 100 kilometres, with the aim of lowering prices for users and increasing the quality of service.

The regulatory body has proposed this measure coinciding with the announcement made by the Government that it will renew the entire passenger transport system by road, although the Executive has already opted for another business model that avoids opening up the company to competition. net.

The model proposed by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda aims to maintain the concession system, in which a single company exclusively operates the bus routes, the traditional model applied in Spain.

On the contrary, the recommendation of the CNMC is to liberalize the sector and that more than one company in a competitive regime exploit the same line, as is already done in most European countries such as Germany, France and Italy.

Competition argues that prices have fallen by 23% in these first two countries and up to 36% in Italy, that the number of lines has grown by 460%, 340% and 30%, respectively, and the number of passengers has risen 875%, 82% and 36%, respectively, since the sector was liberalized in these countries.

However, the CNMC's recommendation is aimed mainly at routes of more than 100 kilometers, which have greater flexibility to adapt supply to demand, ensuring an efficient connection on the rest of the routes by the public sector.

The two main employers in the sector have different opinions regarding the possible liberalization. While the Spanish Confederation of Bus Transport (Confebús) is committed to the concession model, the National Association of Bus Transport Employers (Anetra) defends the change to liberalization.

In any case, regardless of the model applied, the CNMC urges that the design of the contract specifications be improved, in order to encourage business competition, select the best bidder based on the best combination of quality and price, and reinforce interterritorial cooperation in the design of specifications.