We successfully represented Transinesta in a case against the Lithuanian Transport and Safety Authority (LTSA) before the Lithuanian Competition Council. Transinesta is one of the largest coach operators in the Baltic States operating under the Ecolines brand name. Our client filed a complaint against the LTSA regarding restricting competition and impeding the entry of new market participants in the intercity bus routes market in Lithuania.
Case will contribute to improving national legislation
After a 4-year investigation, the Lithuanian Competition Council found that the LTSA had infringed the Law on Competition when it extended contracts with 42 regular road passenger transport service providers without a competitive procedure, thereby restricting competition and impeding the entry of new market participants. The LTSA was fined EUR 43,120 and ordered to terminate existing contracts with relevant carriers, as well as to organise an open competitive procedure.
The case will contribute to improvements to national legislation, since the LCC recommended to the Government of Lithuania to authorize the Ministry of Transport and Communications to review the rules regulating the actions of the competent authority after contracts with carriers expire, as well as to examine the rules relating to an extension of contracts.
Our services and project team
Our assistance involved complex in-depth analysis of EU and national transport and competition regulations, preparation of complaints and additional written explanations to the LCC, and participating in hearings before the LCC to defend the client’s position. In addition, our legal advice included complex discussions with the LCC, the LTSA and the Ministry of Transport and Communications regarding current faulty regulation of intercity bus services.
Partner Daivis Švirinas with senior associates Monika Mališauskaitė-Vaupšienė, Svetlana Rudaja and Irma Kirklytė assisted the client throughout the process and represented it before the Competition authority.
