Competitions concern over SWT franchise

Passengers in the South West could face higher fares and worse service following the decision to award the South West Trains franchise to First MTR, according to the competitions watchdog.

FirstGroup operates Great Western Railway, and will take over SWT from August 20.

However, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) raised concerns about one company operating both routes between London and Exeter, from Paddington and Waterloo.

Acting Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said: “The CMA believes that without its intervention, FirstGroup may be able to increase fares for passengers between London and Exeter, as it will be the only rail operator.”

It gave the firms five working days to offer proposals to address the concerns. If these are deemed inadequate, the CMA can order an in-depth investigation.