THE light rail network in Alicante became Spain's largest on September 4 with the official opening of the city's fourth line, which links the city centre with the university and the nearby town of San Vicente del Raspeig.

SPANISH development minister Mrs Ana Pastor has announced a range of measures aimed at improving safety across the whole rail network after the accident at Santiago de Compostela on July 26, which left 79 dead and dozens injured.

CAF announced its first half figures on July 29, which show net profits for the first half reached €50m, 6.4% over net sales.

SPANISH transport minister Mr Rafael Catala has confirmed in a radio broadcast that excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the derailment of a Madrid – Ferrol service 4km south of Santiago de Compostela on July 24, which killed 78 people.

A Renfe class 730 train derailed on July 24 on the approach to Santiago de Compostela leaving around 80 dead and dozens injured. The train left the tracks entirely at 20.41 on a curve 4km south of Santiago station, where it was due to call.

SPANISH infrastructure manager Adif has awarded a number of contracts for the extension standard gauge tracks south along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Tarragona and Valencia.

FIRST half results for Vossloh make grim reading as an additional provision of "double-digit million" euros for damages claimed in a lawsuit involving its Transportation Systems business unit has driven the company into a loss.

After a quarter of a century of sustained investment, Spain's high-speed network continues to extend its reach to new areas of the country. But with the country in the grip of a devastating economic crisis, plans for further expansion are in a state of flux. Fernando Puente evaluates the prospects of the world's third largest high-speed network.

SPANISH operator Renfe last week approved the establishment of four new subsidiaries that will assume responsibility for its passenger and freight operations, rolling stock maintenance, and a new rolling stock leasing division.

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.