Spain is rightly proud of its high-speed trains. But pride alone doesn't ensure safety | Maria Ramirez

"Spain has the most extensive high-speed rail network in Europe and the second-largest in the world after China. A source of immense national pride, the train system has grown and become more affordable thanks to a boom in rail passengers and competition among train companies. Every few minutes, a train departs from Madrid for Barcelona and vice versa, linking the country's two most populous cities. This 600km journey takes less than three hours for an average fare of 65."

"The network's safety record remains strong, but these shocks have sparked debate on underinvestment in infrastructure maintenance and become yet another issue for angry, partisan conflict. Spaniards love trains. Travel by train now accounts for more than 56% of all transport, surpassing road and air transport combined. In 2024, long-distance trains carried 85 million passengers a 15% increase on the previous year."

"The shock of what happened hits closer to home since trains are such an integral part of daily life and continue to provide a reliable service for many across the country (even if local networks remain a source of frustration and the most depopulated areas have gradually lost their services over the years). The investigation into the Andalucia derailment is ongoing but the focus of inquiries is on the point"

Spain operates the most extensive high-speed rail network in Europe and the second-largest worldwide, connecting more than 50 cities and offering frequent Madrid–Barcelona services that take under three hours for an average fare of 65. The network expanded after the first Madrid–Seville line 34 years ago and grew more affordable as passenger numbers rose and competition increased. Two recent accidents — an Andalucia derailment that killed 45 and a Catalonia collapse that killed a commuter driver — halted local services and raised concerns about underinvestment in maintenance and partisan conflict. An investigation into the Andalucia derailment is ongoing.

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