Mexico: COFECE ordered to recalculate airport’s taxi fine

The First Specialized Collegiate Court in Telecommunications and Economic Competition has ordered the Federal Commission for Economic Competition (COFECE) to recalculate the fine of MX$63 million (US$ 3.2 million) the regulator slapped on Mexico City International Airport (AICM) in September 2016 over its inclusion of discriminatory clauses in the service agreements signed with taxi companies.

The magistrates confirmed that the anticompetitive practice detected by COFECE did exist, and must not go unpunished. Therefore, the court granted an appeal to the AICM to re-determine the amount of the fine imposed, but ratified the infraction incurred.

The AICM’s actions purposefully prevented the entry of new competitors, as well as giving advantages to certain companies. For example, the terminal granted unjustified discounts of between 20 and 35% to privileged companies.

In September of 2017, the Commission also sanctioned five companies that provide taxi services in the AICM for MX$23.6 million (US$1.2 million), for making use of a tariff study with the aim of coordinating the rates charged, which resulted increased prices for consumers.

Full Content: El Financiero

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