Hungary’s competition office (GVH) is investigating claims that Budapest public transport company BKV has abused its dominant position in the market, reports news portal Index.hu.
The BKV signed a contract with City Tour Hop-on Hop-off Kft and provided free use of bus stops for sightseeing buses operated by the company in exchange for BKV logos being displayed on the vehicles. A competitor of City Tour, Programcentrum Kft, then turned to the GVH, claiming the exclusive contract violates the rights of City Tour’s competitors.
City Tour Managing Director András Hertzka said that when they first negotiated with the BKV, representatives of Programcentrum were present, so they had the same opportunities. He maintained that the company’s contract with BKV was correct, and that Programcentrum’s complaint was simply due to the ongoing battle between competitors.
The GVH is expected to close the investigation by March 2009, which could result in the BKV receiving a stiff fine.