RENFE

'RENFE' ('''Re'd 'N'acional de 'F'errocarriles 'E'spañoles '' - Spanish National Railway Network) is Spain's national railway operator. The word ''Renfe'' has come to mean ''Main Train Station'' in Spanish maps, directories and road signs, although this usage is not documented in Spanish dictionaries.
RENFE operates 15,000 km of Spanish railways. Most of this network is broad gauge (1668 mm), the same as in Portugal but wider than in France and most of Europe. The newer High-Speed network AVE is standard (1435mm) gauge but not yet connected with the European railway system.
The company was formed on 24 January 1941 when Spain's railways were nationalized.
In addition to intercity transport, RENFE operates commuter train systems, known as ''Cercanías'' (or the equivalent local name), in eleven metropolitan areas, including Madrid and Barcelona. The former was targeted in the March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombings. In some cities Renfe shares the market with other commuter railway operators.
Construction of the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Seville began in 1988 and operation commenced in 1991. The second high-speed rail line, from Madrid to Barcelona, is under construction. The greater part of the line, from Madrid to Lleida, was put in service on October 11, 2003, with connection to Huesca from Zaragoza; the extension to Barcelona is expected to open in 2007. The last high-speed line opened is Madrid - Toledo, in November 2005, followed by the spur from Córdoba to Málaga as far as Antequera in 2007. Another high-speed route from Madrid to Valladolid is under construction, and other lines to Valencia and Lisbon are being designed. The route Madrid-Galicia is under construction between Madrid and Valladolid and between the major Galician cities.
The Spanish high-speed system is called AVE. ('''A'lta 'V'elocidad 'E'spañola'', Spanish High Speed). The logo incorporates a feature which resembles a bird (''ave'' in Spanish).
The high-speed lines are built to the standard European gauge (1435 mm). Speed on the Seville line is 300 km/h. The line to Lleida is slower at present, though there are plans for eventual operation at 350 km/h on this route.
Other lines operated by RENFE include Alaris, a moderate-speed line between Madrid and Valencia.

Contents

Reorganization

Ticketing procedures

See also

References

External links

Reorganization

The Railway Sector Act of 2003 separated the management, maintenance and construction of rail infrastructure from train operation. The first activity is now the responsibility of a new public company, (ADIF), while Renfe (full name: ) owns the rolling-stock and remains responsible for the planning, marketing and operation of passenger and freight services (though no longer with a legal monopoly).

Ticketing procedures

The Grandes Líneas (inter-city) division of RENFE operates a rather peculiar ticketing system when compared to industry norms. Any reservation by telephone or internet is allocated a "localizador" or booking reference. This is a code that simply acts as a reference to your booking and does not substitute a normal paper ticket. The current practice is that you will be allowed to board an inter-city train with your "localizador", however, if you miss your train, your entire booking is invalidated including your return ticket. Numerous unsuspecting passengers have had the unpleasant experience of being forced to purchase an additional ticket (often only expensive 1st class remains available) for the return journey, having missed their outbound train.^[1] Many passengers reasonably assume that the booking reference is confirmation of your seat, however, this appears not to be the case.
RENFE will turn away passengers who do not have sufficient funds to purchase a new (usually 1st class) ticket for their return journey, despite having paid in full and arrived at the station on time for their return trip. This practice is allegedly illegal because contract law asserts that the customer (passenger) enters into an agreement with the company (RENFE) to fulfill the entire service offered once they have made their purchase (whether it be by internet or over the phone). Passengers, in particular those operating on a tight budget (students, etc), should beware of this practice and ensure that they arrive at the station with enough time to issue their paper tickets.

See also

★ Transportation in Spain

★ FEVE

★ History of rail transport in Spain

References

1.

External links

★ RENFE's official website