A Leeds barrister at Exchange Chambers has been instructed in a major claim against rail companies overcharging their passengers.
David Went from Exchange Chambers is acting in an application to commence an opt-out collective action in the Competition Appeal Tribunal against Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and its parent companies, The Go-Ahead Group and Keolis UK.
The claim alleges that GTR is infringing UK competition rules by issuing fares restricting travel to Southern and/or Thameslink train brands on the London-Brighton mainline, and then inflating the prices passengers must pay for fares allowing travel on two or all three of its train brands (Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink).
The claim also alleges that GTR unlawfully inflates fares where passengers use Oyster or contactless payment facilities to tap in or tap out at London Victoria platforms 13 and 14 (including passengers who start or finish travel at GTR stations north of London).
The claim states that the fare-setting regulatory regime does not entitle GTR to issue fares limited to only Southern and/or Thameslink train brands (except for advance fares) but requires its fares to permit travel on all three brands.
Moreover, by charging higher prices for fares permitting travel on two or all three of its train brands, GTR is abusing its dominant position in the market for rail services on the London-Brighton mainline in breach of Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998
Preliminary indications show that millions of passenger journeys will have been affected by the alleged unlawful conduct of GTR.
This legal action is being funded by LCM Funding UK, an experienced third-party litigation funder, and insurance is in place to cover adverse fees or costs.
David Went was instructed by Maitland Walker.