RENFE
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
RENFE (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles); 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 European 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.
In 1988 construction of the high-speed rail between Madrid and Seville began, and in 1991 operation of this line was started. The second high-speed rail, 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. 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. (Alta Velocidad Española, 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. 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 which are operated by RENFE include Alaris, a moderate-speed line which travels between Madrid and Valencia.
[edit] 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, Administrador de Infrestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF), while Renfe (full name: Renfe Operadora) 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).
