The EU Commission reminds Member States of mistakes they can avoid when they compensate operators on whom they impose public service obligations (Dublin Bus / Irish Bus)

Public Service Obligations: A Few More Mistakes that Can Be Avoided* Even efficient companies will fail the 4th Altmark criterion if their costs are not proven to be comparable to those of a typical and well-equipped undertaking. Public funding of infrastructure is not State aid to users only if access is open to all. Public funding for training to raise social awareness is still State aid if it relieves companies of their normal costs. Introduction This article reviews Commission decision SA.20580 on Dublin Bus and Irish Bus companies.[1] It shows, once more, mistakes that Member States can avoid when they compensate operators on whom they impose public service obligations. Policy mistakes can prove to be costly even if in the end no fine is paid. The cost can be in the waste of