Spain’s deadly rail accidents prompt maintenance investment debatehttps://srnnews.com/spains-deadly-rail-accidents-prompt-maintenance-investment-debate/MADRID, Jan 23 (Reuters) – A series of accidents in one week on Spain’s railways, including one of the deadliest in Europe, has left the country reeling and put the spotlight on whether investment to maintain the network is keeping pace with surging passenger demand.
Nearly 40 million passengers used a high-speed train in Spain in 2024, almost double the 2019 number and pushing the overall use of Spain’s railway system to a record 549 million, according to data from the competition authority.
However, the high usage on Europe’s largest high-speed rail network means more wear and tear, and data, reports and experts point to a focus on expanding the system, rather than on investment in maintenance, which is lower than in other large European countries.
NETWORK IS A VICTIM OF ITS OWN SUCCESS
“Spain’s high-speed rail is dying from its own success. It’s under greater strain, and it’s starting to break down,” said Salvador Garcia-Ayllon, a professor at Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena.
Spain is more compact than, for example, California. For example the distance between Seville to Bilbao, the two major cities farthest apart, is about 435 miles, a bit less than from San Diego to San Jose. From San Jose to Crescent City, near the border with Oregon, is another 400 miles. Back to Spain, between Seville and Bilbao are several major cities. High-speed rail works better with Spanish geography than with California's (then there's CA's earthquake faults).
Further, socialism and maintaining infrastructure don't work well together. See Venezuela and Cuba. Spain is governed by a socialist party. If anyone believes the Dem-run gooberment of California would ensure high-speed rail is properly maintained, I've a bridge toll concession for sale.
