Trainline (LSE:TRN), in a stock market statement, acknowledged that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into the presentation of certain UK fees throughout its booking flow.
The train ticketing platform said it has been in contact with the CMA for several months and is already taking steps to improve how certain fees are shown to customers.
"We will continue to work constructively with the CMA to ensure our customer experience remains both transparent and compliant," Trainline said.
The probe falls under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), a UK law designed to strengthen consumer protection in digital markets.
Trainline said it remains committed to full compliance with the DMCCA and will continue cooperating with the regulator as the investigation proceeds.
It also pointed to its 4.9 star app rating as evidence of a transparent booking experience.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
The CMA has opened a formal investigation into Trainline's fee disclosure practices under the UK's new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Trainline said it has been in contact with the regulator for several months and is already taking steps to improve fee presentation, framing the probe as a routine compliance matter rather than an allegation of wrongdoing.
The investigation introduces regulatory uncertainty but does not yet signal material financial exposure—Trainline's FY2027 guidance of £440–455m revenue and adjusted EBITDA around 2.9% of net ticket sales (£6.2–6.45bn) remains in place. The outcome will depend on whether remedial steps already underway satisfy the CMA or whether enforcement action materially constrains the fee model that underpins the UK Consumer unit's £87m adjusted EBITDA.
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