What is Renfe-Operadora?

Renfe-Operadora is Spain's national state-owned railway company, officially known by this name.

When was Renfe-Operadora officially established as a separate entity?

Renfe-Operadora was established on January 1, 2005.

What was the predecessor company to Renfe-Operadora?

Its predecessor was the Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (RENFE), which was the former Spanish National Railway Network.

What event led to the creation of Renfe-Operadora as a distinct company?

Renfe-Operadora was created as a result of the split of the original RENFE, separating railway infrastructure management (handled by ADIF) from railway services (handled by Renfe-Operadora), in compliance with EU Directive 91/440.

What does the acronym RENFE stand for?

The acronym RENFE stands for *Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles*, which translates to Spanish National Railway Network.

Where is Renfe-Operadora headquartered?

The company's headquarters are located in Madrid, Spain.

What are the primary services offered by Renfe?

Renfe offers rail passenger and freight transport services.

What was Renfe's revenue in 2018?

In 2018, Renfe's revenue amounted to €3.979 billion.

What was Renfe's net income in 2018?

Renfe reported a net income of €111 million in 2018.

How many employees did Renfe have in 2018?

Renfe employed 13,720 people in 2018.

What is the total length of railways operated by Renfe?

Renfe operates approximately 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) of railways.

What proportion of Renfe's railway network is electrified?

Approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles) of the railways operated by Renfe are electrified.

What are the two main track gauges used by Renfe?

Renfe utilizes the broad Iberian gauge of 1,668 mm and the international standard gauge of 1,435 mm, which is used for its high-speed lines.

What is the significance of the 1,435 mm gauge in Spain?

The 1,435 mm gauge is commonly referred to as "European gauge" in Spain and is used for the high-speed (AVE) network to facilitate connections with the broader European railway system.

When did the first high-speed rail line in Spain, connecting Madrid and Seville, commence operations?

The high-speed rail line between Madrid and Seville began operations in 1991.

What was the operational speed of the Madrid-Seville high-speed line upon its opening?

The Madrid-Seville high-speed line initially operated at speeds of 300 km/h (190 mph).

What is the maximum operational speed for the Madrid to Barcelona high-speed line?

The Madrid to Barcelona high-speed line is designed for and operates at speeds of up to 350 km/h (220 mph).

What are the commuter train systems operated by Renfe called?

Renfe's commuter train systems are known as *Cercanías*. In Catalonia, they are called *Rodalies*, and in the Basque Country, they are known as *Cercanías-Aldirikoak*.

In how many metropolitan areas does Renfe operate commuter services?

Renfe operates commuter train systems in eleven metropolitan areas across Spain.

What is the Euromed service?

Euromed is a moderate-speed train service operated by Renfe on the line connecting Barcelona and Alicante.

What was the fate of the original Renfe logo after the company's restructuring?

The original Renfe logo, nicknamed the "galleta" (biscuit), was replaced by a new wordmark. However, the old logo is still sometimes used on maps to identify ADIF stations.

What were the four main business units Renfe-Operadora restructured into in January 2006?

The four general directorates were: Suburban and Medium Distance Services, Long Distance Services, Freight and Logistics Services, and Manufacturing and Maintenance.

What four separate companies did Renfe-Operadora restructure into in June 2013?

The company restructured into Renfe Viajeros (passenger services), Renfe Mercancías (freight services), Renfe Fabricación y Mantenimiento (rolling stock maintenance), and Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario (train leasing).

What is the Alvia service?

Alvia is a Renfe service that provides combined high-speed and conventional rail transport, connecting different parts of Spain.

Which luxury tourist train services are operated by Renfe?

Renfe operates luxury tourist train services including Al Ándalus, Costa Verde Express, El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, and La Robla Express.

What types of rolling stock are used for Renfe's AVE (high-speed long distance) services?

Renfe utilizes Class 100, Class 102, Class 103, Class 106, and Class 112 Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) for its AVE services.

What does the first digit of Renfe's vehicle register numbers indicate?

The first digit signifies the type of rolling stock: 1xx for high-speed multiple units, 2xx for electric locomotives, 3xx for diesel locomotives, 4xx for electric multiple units (EMUs), 5xx for diesel multiple units (DMUs), 6xx for hybrid locomotives, 7xx for hybrid multiple units (HMUs), and 8xx for trams capable of running on railways.

What significant issue arose in early 2023 concerning new trains for Asturias and Cantabria?

It was discovered that the newly ordered trains were designed with a loading gauge that was too wide to fit through existing tunnels in the region.

What was the impact of the tunnel loading gauge issue on the delivery of new commuter trains?

The issue caused a delay in the delivery of the *Cercanía* commuter trains, pushing their availability back to 2026.

What action did the European Commission take in 2023 regarding Renfe's online ticketing practices?

The European Commission launched an investigation into Renfe for potentially abusing its dominant market position by withholding journey time data from competing online ticketing websites.

How did Renfe respond to the European Commission's concerns about online ticketing?

Renfe proposed several commitments to address the concerns, which included sharing journey time information. The European Commission made these commitments legally binding in January 2024.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 446?

The Renfe Class 446 is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) used for Cercanías (commuter) services, operating on Iberian gauge lines in major metropolitan areas like Bilbao and Madrid.

In which Spanish metropolitan areas are Renfe Class 447 EMUs utilized for commuter services?

Renfe Class 447 EMUs serve the metropolitan areas of Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Murcia/Alicante, San Sebastián, and Santander.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 592?

The Renfe Class 592 is a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) employed for mainline medium-distance services on Iberian gauge routes, such as those connecting Madrid to Talavera or Valencia to Alcoi.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 599?

The Renfe Class 599 is a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) used for mainline medium-distance services on Iberian gauge lines, operating on routes like Madrid to Badajoz or Salamanca to Ávila.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 103?

The Renfe Class 103 is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) utilized for High-Speed Long Distance (AVE) services, operating on routes such as Madrid to Barcelona and Madrid to Málaga.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 130?

The Renfe Class 130 is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) used for Alvia services, which combine high-speed and conventional rail operations, serving routes like Madrid to Avilés or Alicante to Gijón.

What type of rolling stock is the Renfe Class 730?

The Renfe Class 730 is a Hybrid Multiple Unit (HMU) used for Alvia services, capable of operating on both high-speed and conventional lines, including routes such as Madrid to Algeciras or Madrid to Ferrol.

What is the 'Talgo Pendular' used for in Renfe's operations?

Talgo Pendular refers to a type of passenger car used with locomotives like the Renfe Class 334 and Class 252 for Intercity services on mainline long-distance routes.

What is the CAF Oaris in the context of Renfe's rolling stock?

The CAF Oaris is identified as Renfe Class 105 EMU and is listed under prototype rolling stock intended for AVE services.

What are the planned future rolling stock orders for Renfe's Cercanías services?

Renfe has ordered future rolling stock including Class 452 (Alstom Coradia), Class 453 (Stadler FLIRT), Class 412 and 413 (CAF) EMUs, and six Class 402 EMUs from CAF.

What are the planned future rolling stock orders for Renfe's AVE services?

Renfe has ordered future rolling stock for its AVE services, specifically Class 106 and Class 107 EMUs, both based on the Talgo AVRIL platform.

What is the function of the Renfe Viajeros subsidiary?

Renfe Viajeros is the subsidiary responsible for the operation of passenger trains.

What is the role of the Renfe Mercancías subsidiary?

Renfe Mercancías is the subsidiary dedicated to managing and operating freight services.

What is the responsibility of the Renfe Fabricación y Mantenimiento subsidiary?

This subsidiary, also known as Integria, is responsible for the maintenance and manufacturing of rolling stock.

What is the purpose of the Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario subsidiary?

This subsidiary is responsible for the leasing of train equipment.

What are the 'Cercanías' services?

Cercanías services are commuter train systems that operate within eleven major metropolitan areas throughout Spain.

What is the 'Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación' mentioned in the notes?

This refers to a collaboration managed by Elipsos, operating under the brand Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación/en Coopéracion, likely for cross-border services.

What does the map of the Spanish rail network indicate about Renfe Operadora's operations?

The map shows that Renfe Operadora operates on conventional Iberian gauge lines (colored red), high-speed lines (colored blue), and narrow gauge lines (colored green).

What does the image caption for the Renfe ticket describe?

The image caption simply identifies the item as a Renfe train ticket.

What is the official name of Renfe?

The official name of Renfe is Renfe-Operadora.

Renfe Wiki: Renfe: Spain's Rail Network Unveiled

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Historical Context

Origins and Evolution

Renfe, officially Renfe-Operadora, is Spain's state-owned railway company. Its name is an acronym for Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (Spanish National Railway Network). The current entity was established on January 1, 2005, following the division of the former RENFE. This restructuring was mandated by EU Directive 91/440, separating infrastructure management from train operations.

The predecessor, Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, was created on January 24, 1941, through the nationalization of Spain's railways. The 2005 split designated the Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF) to manage infrastructure, while Renfe-Operadora inherited the rolling stock and operational responsibilities.

Corporate Transformation

The Railway Sector Act of 2003 formalized the separation of infrastructure and operations. Renfe-Operadora became responsible for planning, marketing, and operating passenger and freight services. This model was also applied to FEVE in 2012, merging its operations into ADIF and Renfe.

The company's logo, nicknamed the "galleta" (biscuit), introduced in 1971, was replaced in 2005 by a lowercase wordmark designed by Interbrand. While the old logo is still seen at some stations, the new branding signifies the company's modernization.

Market Liberalization

Renfe's historical monopoly on domestic passenger services has been challenged with the entry of new operators. Ouigo España launched services in 2021, followed by Iryo in 2022, introducing competition to the high-speed rail market.

Organizational Structure

Initial Business Units

Following its creation in 2005, Renfe-Operadora initially organized its operations into four main directorates:

Public Utilities Directorate for Suburban and Medium Distance: Managed commuter services (Cercanías), medium-distance high-speed rail (AVE), and regional services.
Directorate of Long Distance Services: Oversaw intercity and high-speed rail services.
Directorate for Freight and Logistics Services: Handled freight transportation.
Directorate of Manufacturing and Maintenance: Responsible for rolling stock maintenance and production (also known as Integria).

Restructuring into Companies

In June 2013, Renfe's board approved a significant restructuring, dividing the group into four distinct companies operating under a holding company structure:

Renfe Viajeros: Focused on passenger train operations.
Renfe Mercancías: Dedicated to freight services.
Renfe Fabricación y Mantenimiento: Responsible for rolling stock maintenance.
Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario: Managed train leasing.

Operational Metrics

Key Performance Indicators

Renfe's operational performance is tracked through various metrics, including passenger numbers, passenger-kilometers, and specific service performance like AVE (high-speed train) figures. The data below illustrates trends from 2006 to 2019.

Renfe Figures (Millions)
Figures	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Passengers (Mio.)	527.975	517.583	510.176	476.334	463.012	476.917	472.145	466.057	464.961	465.201	471.359	487.881	507.088	510.453
Passenger-kilometer (Mio.)	20,480	20,167	22,281	21,895	21,166	21,585	21,319	22,563	23,754	24,825	25,291	26,060	26,931	27,263
AVE Passengers (Tsd.)	4.878	5.559	11.461	11.250	10.851	12.563	12.101	14.697	17.967	19.428	20.352	21.108	21.332	22.370
AVE Passenger-kilometer (Tsd.)	1.884	2.161	4.888	5.260	5.171	5.846	5.793	7.095	8.038	9.230	9.632	10.267	10.289	10.760

Financial Performance

In 2018, Renfe-Operadora reported a revenue of €3.979 billion and a net income of €111 million, indicating a profitable year. The company employed approximately 13,720 individuals in 2018.

Network and Services

Infrastructure Overview

Renfe operates across approximately 12,000 km of railways, with 7,000 km being electrified. The network primarily utilizes the broad Iberian gauge of 1,668 mm, distinct from the international standard gauge (1,435 mm) used in most of Europe. This difference necessitates specific rolling stock for international connections.

The high-speed (AVE) network, built to the standard gauge, facilitates integration with the broader European rail system. This dual-gauge approach allows for efficient domestic travel while maintaining international compatibility.

High-Speed Rail Development

Spain's high-speed rail development began significantly with the Madrid-Seville line in 1991, operating at 300 km/h. Subsequent lines, such as Madrid-Barcelona (operational speed up to 350 km/h), Madrid-Toledo, Córdoba-Málaga, Madrid-Valladolid, and Madrid-Valencia, have expanded the network's reach and capabilities. These advancements have positioned Spain as a leader in European high-speed rail.

Commuter and Regional Services

Beyond intercity and high-speed routes, Renfe manages extensive commuter rail systems known as Cercanías in major metropolitan areas, including Madrid and Barcelona. These services are crucial for urban mobility, often operating alongside other regional operators like FGC in Catalonia.

Renfe also operates moderate-speed services like the Euromed, connecting cities such as Barcelona and Alicante, providing essential regional connectivity.

Fleet Composition

Electric Rolling Stock

Renfe utilizes a diverse fleet of electric multiple units (EMUs) for various services, from high-speed AVE trains to suburban commuter services.

Electric Rolling Stock
Service	Rolling stock	Route(s)
High-speed (AVE)	Renfe Class 100 EMU	Madrid – Sevilla Madrid – Castellón Huesca–Sevilla
	Renfe Class 102 EMU	Madrid – León Madrid – Huesca Valencia – Sevilla
	Renfe Class 103 EMU	Madrid – Barcelona – Figueres Madrid – Málaga Barcelona – Málaga
	Renfe Class 106 EMU	Gijón–Castellón Madrid–Gijón Madrid–A Coruña Madrid–Vigo Madrid – Murcia Madrid – Marseille Barcelona – Lyon
	Renfe Class 112 EMU	Madrid – Alicante Madrid – Burgos Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia Madrid – Granada Madrid – Murcia Madrid – Ourense Alicante – Ourense Alicante – León Barcelona – Granada Barcelona – Sevilla Burgos – Valencia Málaga – Murcia León – Valencia
Alvia (Mixed service)	Renfe Class 120 EMU	Madrid – Pamplona Madrid – Logroño Madrid – Irún/Hendaya Madrid – Bilbao Madrid – Salamanca Madrid – Santander Madrid – Huelva Barcelona – Bilbao Barcelona – San Sebastian Torre del Oro: Barcelona – Valencia – Sevilla – Cádiz
	Renfe Class 130 EMU	Madrid – Avilés Madrid – Cádiz Alicante – Gijón Alicante – Santander Barcelona – A Coruña Barcelona – Vigo Barcelona – Salamanca Euromed: Barcelona – Valencia – Alicante
	Renfe Class 730 HMU	Madrid – Algeciras Madrid – Almeria Madrid – Ferrol Madrid – Vigo Madrid – Lugo Madrid – Badajoz

Diesel Rolling Stock

Renfe operates diesel multiple units (DMUs) for regional and medium-distance services, particularly on lines not served by electrification or high-speed infrastructure.

Diesel Rolling Stock
Service	Rolling stock	Route(s)
Suburban/Medium Distance (Iberian Gauge)	Renfe Class 592 DMU	Madrid – Talavera Murcia – Cartagena Valencia – Alcoi CELTA: Oporto - Vigo (Service CP)
Medium Distance (Iberian Gauge)	Renfe Class 594 DMU	Valladolid – Zamora – Puebla de Sanabria A Coruña – Ferrol A Coruña – Lugo – Monforte de Lemos - Ourense Madrid – Soria Murcia – Cartagena
Medium Distance (Iberian Gauge)	Renfe Class 598 DMU	Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara Sevilla – Cáceres - Madrid
Medium Distance (Iberian Gauge)	Renfe Class 599 DMU	Madrid – Badajoz Huelva – Zafra A Coruña – Vigo Guixar Salamanca – Ávila – Madrid Salamanca – Palencia Valencia – Cartagena Zaragoza – Valencia Zaragoza – Cartagena Sevilla – Málaga Sevilla – Almería Granada – Algeciras Málaga – Ronda Granada – Linares Madrid – Águilas
Medium Distance (Metric Gauge)	Renfe Class 524 DMU	Ferrol – Oviedo Oviedo – Santander Santander – Bilbao
Medium Distance (Metric Gauge)	Renfe Class 526 DMU	Ferrol – Oviedo Oviedo – Santander Santander – Bilbao Bilbao – León

Specialized and Future Stock

Renfe also operates specialized rolling stock, including luxury tourist trains like the Al Ándalus and El Transcantábrico, which offer premium travel experiences. The company is also investing in future rolling stock, such as the Renfe Class 106 (Talgo AVRIL) and Class 107 EMUs, designed for enhanced speed and passenger comfort.

The fleet is categorized by a numerical system, where the first digit often indicates the type of unit (e.g., 1xx for high-speed EMUs, 4xx for EMUs, 5xx for DMUs).

Ticketing and Regulation

Digital Ticketing

Travel tickets are readily available through rail stations and online platforms. In 2023, the European Commission initiated an investigation into concerns that Renfe might be leveraging its dominant position in the online ticketing market by withholding journey time data from competing ticketing websites. To address these concerns, Renfe committed to sharing this information, making these commitments legally binding under EU competition law in January 2024.

External Resources

Official and Archival Links

Access additional information and resources related to Renfe:

Renfe's Official Website
Renfe-SNCF Cooperation (Archived)
Renfe Operadora Media on Wikimedia Commons
Renfe Train Tickets & Routes
Documents and clippings about Renfe in the 20th Century Press Archives

Authority Control

Identifiers

Standardized identifiers for Renfe-Operadora:

ISNI: 0000000121982451
VIAF: 138999023
GND: 114726-2
BNE: XX256151
Yale LUX

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Renfe Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official Renfe documentation or seeking advice from qualified transportation or logistics professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding services, schedules, and policies.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Renfe: Spain's Rail Network Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context 🕰️

🚂 Origins and Evolution

🏛️ Corporate Transformation

⚖️ Market Liberalization

Organizational Structure 🏗️

🏢 Initial Business Units

🔄 Restructuring into Companies

Operational Metrics 📊

📈 Key Performance Indicators

💰 Financial Performance

Network and Services 🌐

🛤️ Infrastructure Overview

🚄 High-Speed Rail Development

🏘️ Commuter and Regional Services

Fleet Composition 🚃

⚡ Electric Rolling Stock

डीजल Diesel Rolling Stock

⚙️ Specialized and Future Stock

Ticketing and Regulation 🎟️

💻 Digital Ticketing

Related Topics 🔗

📌 Further Exploration

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Official and Archival Links

Authority Control 🗂️

🆔 Identifiers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Origins and Evolution

Corporate Transformation

Market Liberalization

Organizational Structure

Initial Business Units

Restructuring into Companies

Operational Metrics

Key Performance Indicators

Financial Performance

Network and Services

Infrastructure Overview

High-Speed Rail Development

Commuter and Regional Services

Fleet Composition

Electric Rolling Stock

Diesel Rolling Stock

Specialized and Future Stock

Ticketing and Regulation

Digital Ticketing

Related Topics

Further Exploration

External Resources

Official and Archival Links

Authority Control

Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice