Overview

This bill mandates that train companies in England, Wales, and Scotland must offer customers the cheapest available fare first. Failure to do so will result in refunds for affected passengers and penalties for the companies. The Office of Rail Regulation will monitor compliance.

Description

The Train Companies (Minimum Fares) Bill requires the Secretary of State to create regulations ensuring train companies prioritize showing the cheapest available fare to customers. These regulations will define "cheapest available fare," mandate refunds for customers not offered this option, and establish penalties for non-compliance. The Office of Rail Regulation will oversee the Act's implementation and report annually on compliance levels. The bill will come into effect two months after passing and applies to England, Wales, and Scotland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs may arise from the Office of Rail Regulation's monitoring and enforcement activities, and potential payouts for passenger refunds. The overall financial impact will depend on the level of non-compliance and the scale of resulting refunds.

Groups Affected

• Train Passengers: Will benefit from potentially lower fares and greater transparency in pricing.
• Train Companies: Will face increased regulatory oversight, potential penalties for non-compliance, and potentially lower profits if they are not showing the cheapest fares first
• Office of Rail Regulation: Will be responsible for monitoring compliance, creating additional workload and potentially requiring increased resources.

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