The proposals for a new cross-border service via Santiago de Compostela and Vigo-Guixar were first made public in May 2018.
Renfe subsequently requested an economic equilibrium test arguing that the arrival of a new operator on the A Coruña - Vigo line would be detrimental to ridership on Public Service Obligation (PSO) services.
However, the CNMC says the results of the economic equilibrium test show a net financial impact “much lower than 1%” on PSO services on the route, which Renfe operates under its 2018-2027 contract with the Ministry of Development. The Economic equilibrium methodology approved in October 2018 set a 1% limit for revenue abstraction in such circumstances.
Furthermore, the CNMC says Arriva’s plans will increase frequencies and enhance intermodality with connections to local and inter-city bus services.
