Could this ASX 200 share be one of the best monopoly plays there is?

Investing in a monopoly is, perhaps, one of the oldest plays in the book, and this S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) share could be just that.

Monopolies, by definition, dominate their sectors, facing low or no competition to provide a product needed – rather than wanted – by their customers.

With that in mind, could ASX 200 share, Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) be one of the ASX’s major monopolies?

At the time of writing, the Transurban share price is $13.75.

Could this ASX 200 share be a monopoly play?

Considering investing in ASX 200 giant, Transurban? Experts believe the toll road operator has plenty of reoccurring revenue and the ability to boost its fees alongside inflation.

Transurban operates toll roads in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and North America.

According to reporting by GEM Capital financial advisor, Mark Draper, published by the Australian Financial Review, investments in toll roads come with a side of certainty.

The job of a toll road operator is to build and maintain roads that convenience the public. They make their money by collecting fees from those who travel on their roads.

They generally have the right to collect tolls on their roads for a specified number of years. When that period ends, a toll road reverts to public infrastructure.

Investors Mutual portfolio manager Dan Moore was quoted by Draper as saying toll road operators’ income is generally protected from inflation, as their fees can be increased alongside the metric.

Additionally, according to Atlas Funds Management chief investment officer, Hugh Dive, the risk of competing toll roads being built nearby existing assets is low.

On top of that, once a road is built, maintaining it is relatively cheap. The assets can bring in margins of up to 80%, said Dive.

And governments tend to support the sector, even helping to collect unpaid fees.

Though, no investment ­­– not even in ASX 200 shares – is without risks.

Moore noted that recessions and resulting high unemployment could dampen toll road operators’ income.  

Additionally, toll roads are, in a way, leased from governments. That means there’s a risk that governments fail to stay true to their agreements. Perhaps, not allowing fees to rise in line with inflation – or expropriation – whereby fees are taken from the operator.

Transurban share price snapshot

2022 so far has been tough on the Transurban share price.

It has slipped 1.36% year to date. It’s also 0.87% lower than it was this time last year.