Train Strikes Impact Services in Cantabria as Renfe Restores High-Speed Link Between Córdoba and Sevilla
Train strikes reduce Cercanías services in Cantabria while Renfe resumes high-speed rail between Córdoba and Sevilla after flood disruptions.
- • Train strike in Cantabria reduces Cercanías services to 50% off-peak and 75% during peak hours until February 11.
- • Unions demand structural reforms following previous rail accidents and call for more staffing and reversal of outsourcing.
- • Renfe restores high-speed service between Sevilla and Córdoba after heavy rainfall suspension.
- • Alternative road transport remains in place for certain routes; Málaga and Sevilla Cercanías return to normal service.
Key details
Spain is currently experiencing significant disruptions in train services due to a strike and weather-related incidents, affecting both regional and high-speed rail travel.
Starting Monday, February 8, a train strike organized by multiple unions including the General Committee of Renfe, Semaf, CCOO, UGT, SFF-CGT, SF-I, and Alferro began, set to last until February 11. The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has mandated minimum service levels during the strike, resulting in Cercanías trains in Cantabria operating at 50% capacity generally, and 75% during peak hours. Affected lines include Santander-Reinosa (C1), Santander-Cabezón de la Sal (C2), and Santander-Liérganes (C3), with peak hours defined as 06:00 to 09:00, 13:30 to 15:30, and 18:30 to 20:30. Media Distancia trains will function at 65% nationwide, affecting routes such as Santander-Oviedo (R2) and Santander-Bilbao (R3), while long-distance services operate at 73%, maintaining key connections to Alicante and Madrid. Private freight companies’ activity is reduced to 21%. The unions have cited the need for structural changes to improve safety and quality following recent accidents in Adamuz and Gelida, and demand a reversal of service outsourcing and increased staffing. Renfe reports daily averages of 2,257 passengers on the C1 line and 11,247 on the combined C2 and C3 routes.
Meanwhile, Renfe announced the restoration of high-speed train service between Sevilla and Córdoba on February 8, which had been suspended due to heavy rainfall and water accumulation. As part of the ongoing alternative transport plan, high-speed trains from Madrid to Andalucía will run only as far as Villanueva de Córdoba, with road transport connecting Villanueva de Córdoba to Córdoba. Alternative road transport remains in operation for Media Distancia train routes including Huelva-Jabugo-Zafra, Jaén-Linares, and Granada-Almería. Cercanías services in Málaga and Sevilla have also returned to normal, including the C1 line in Sevilla.
These developments highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable rail transportation in Spain amidst labor disputes and severe weather conditions, impacting both commuter and long-distance travelers.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
