SPAIN celebrated the launch of high-speed services between Madrid and Alicante on June 17 with the official opening of the Albacete – Alicante high-speed line by His Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias, Spanish prime minister Mr Mariano Rajoy and transport minister Mrs Ana Pastor.
SPAIN's Ministry of Transport this week reported that ridership on Renfe AVE services has risen 14% year-on-year in the last four months to 4.7 million passengers, following an 11% cut in all tourist class tickets in early February.
THE Spanish government finally confirmed this week that Renfe will start commercial services on the 165km high-speed line from Albacete to Alicante on June 18.
FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) and Renfe have postponed the launch of direct TGV services between Paris and Barcelona due to delays in completing certification of TGV Dasye sets for operation on the Figueres – Barcelona high-speed line.
FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) and Spanish passenger operator Renfe have reached an agreement to start direct TGV services between Paris and Barcelona next month.
SPAIN's national train operator Renfe this week announced a major change in its fares policy, with an 11% reduction in all tourist class AVE train tickets and new discounts in an effort push ridership beyond the 22 million mark.
SPAIN celebrated the completion of Iberia's first high-speed connection with the rest of Europe on January 8 with the inauguration of the 131km line between Figueres and Barcelona, which completes the 804km high-speed line between Madrid and the French border.
SPAIN's national train operator Renfe is ready to launch commercial services on the country's newest high-speed line next month.
SPAIN's state-owned train operating company, Renfe, and the country's infrastructure manager, Adif, have started passenger service tests on the mixed traffic high-speed line between Barcelona and the French border.
SPAIN's Ministry of Public Works and Transport's 2013 draft budget published last week includes a 15.6% cut in infrastructure investment for all transport modes in line with the Spain's deficit target for 2012.