Office of Rail and Road : Railway Station Catering Market Study

The document published by the Office of Rail and Road in June 2024.

Text of Document (in .pdf format)

SUMMARY

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) conducted a market study on the railway station catering market in Great Britain, assessing competition effectiveness and value for money for passengers and taxpayers. The study found that while there are many brands in the market, Select Service Partners (SSP) is the largest player. Competition is limited due to factors like limited station space and low tendering rates by station operators. Passenger satisfaction with station catering has historically been low, and prices can be higher than on the high street. The study identified barriers to competition, including protected leases and commercial incentives for station operators. The ORR decided not to refer the market to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) but instead proposed remedies to address the identified issues. These remedies include recommendations for station operators to not grant new protected leases, to competitively tender outlets, and to gather more consumer information. The ORR also recommends that the Department for Transport (DfT) provide strategic direction and support to station operators. The ORR will monitor the implementation and impact of these remedies.