The Price of Deception: Drip Pricing Under Fire Again The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Trainline, Virgin Atlantic, and RED Driving School for allegedly engaging in "drip pricing," a practice where mandatory fees are not included in the initial headline price shown to customers.
Trainline has faced criticism before. In 2023, the Office of Rail and Road found that several third party train ticket sellers, including Trainline, did not clearly disclose fees.
This time around, the CMA is scrutinizing how Trainline adds fees to headline fares – up to £2. 79 for trains and £1. 50 for coach bookings.