The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced a series of measures relating to the railway sector and the implementation of a single channel of communication with the train driver, banning the use of mobile phones except in emergencies.
Forty-three trains axed in Andalucia
The Central Government has already initiated the cuts in unprofitable RENFE rail routes as per the report from Imeco commissioned by the Ministry of Development. In Andalucia, a total of 43 trains will be cut from various routes.
Train services axed in Málaga province
The rail network operator RENFE has axed two train services between Córdoba and Bobadilla and two between Ronda and Algeciras as part of a rationalisation plan for middle distance trains in Málaga province.
Another RENFE rail strike on Monday
RENFE workers have called another strike for tomorrow, Monday, in protest at plans by the rail network operator to split the organisation into four separate companies. Already cancelled are 302 AVE, long and middle distance trains and local trains. Local trains, Cercanias, are expected to run at around 50% of normal.
AVE ticket prices to rise by an average of 2.75%
The price of tickets for AVE high-speed and Long Distance trains is set to go up by an average of 2.75%, although REFFE have not yet announced when this will take effect.
Second day of rail strikes
Around 400 RENFE trains are expected to be affected today by the second strike called by the CCOO union in protest at plans to reorganise the rail freight service.
New trains for the Sevilla-Málaga route
RENFE, the rail network operator, has taken delivery of four new top of the line S599 trains for use on the Sevilla to Málaga middle distance route.
Extra AVE trains between Málaga and Madrid
RENFE is adding two more AVE trains each day from now until Sunday between Málaga and Madrid due to the Corpus Christi holiday, a major celebration in Madrid. The two trains will carry an extra 620 passengers.
Rail link cut after train derails
The train service between Jabugo (Huelva) and Zafra (Badajoz) had to be suspended after a train derailed due to rocks falling on the track. No-one was injured in the incident.
Cádiz to Madrid by rail in only 4 and a half hours
The new Altaria 130 series trains are being introduced on the Cádiz to Madrid line as from today, cutting the journey time by 45 minutes to 4 and a half hours.