Renfe, Spain’s national rail operator, has announced plans to establish its own bus company to better manage disruptions to train services. This initiative addresses the expected rise in temporary suspensions caused by infrastructure maintenance, large-scale railway works, and unexpected incidents across the network.
The new entity will operate as a jointly owned company, with Renfe holding a 49% stake and a private partner controlling 51%. It will focus on providing Planes Alternativos de Transporte (alternative transport plans) by road when trains cannot run, ensuring quicker, more integrated, and personalised service for passengers compared to relying on external bus operators.
Renfe estimates an investment of €61.5 million, projecting annual savings of €9 million to €13 million (or €90 million to €130 million over ten years) by moving away from ad-hoc bus hires. The contract will run for 10 years, with a possible five-year extension. The fleet is expected to include 50 to 100 coaches with dedicated drivers and staff.
This move comes amid ongoing issues, such as storm damage affecting routes like Madrid-Malaga and planned major works on lines including Madrid-Barcelona, which have already forced bus substitutions on affected sections.
