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.

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.

THE council of Velez-Malaga has approved plans to lease three CAF Urbos 2 LRVs, acquired as part of the Spanish town's abandoned light rail project, to Sydney for use on the Metro Light Rail line, which is currently being extended.

MACANDREWS, a subsidiary of shipping group CMA-CGM this week launched a new refrigerated railfreight service linking Bilbao with Murcia in the southeast of Spain.