Salvador Galve’s Bold Admission on Train Travel
Salvador Galve, a leading railway expert and the dean of the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Aragon and La Rioja, has made waves with a startling statement regarding train travel in Spain. During a recent commission of inquiry into the state of the railway network, he openly confessed that he prefers to drive when traveling from Zaragoza to Barcelona, rather than taking the train. This declaration highlights deep-rooted concerns about the reliability of the AVE high-speed train service and reflects a growing distrust among professionals regarding punctuality and train delays.
The Distrust Factor
Galve’s preference for driving is indicative of the lack of confidence in the railway system. As he pointed out, “When I go to Barcelona from Zaragoza and have a meeting, I go by car. When I go to Madrid, I usually take the train as it typically arrives on time.” His sentiments resonate with many business professionals who feel compelled to avoid the uncertainties of train timetables. Such a mindset has become widespread, and Galve acknowledged, “We are getting used to incidents,” hinting that the recurring delays have become normalized in the daily lives of many commuters.
Questions of Safety and Infrastructure
Despite expressing concerns over punctuality, Galve refrained from raising alarm bells regarding safety. He emphasized that “zero risk does not exist in any transportation system,” thus acknowledging the inherent uncertainties across all modes of transport. His testimony comes at a crucial time, following tragic incidents like the derailments in Adamuz and Gelida, which have cast a shadow on the railway’s safety record.
Structural Concerns in the Railway System
In a nearly four-hour session, Galve pointed out a critical structural issue within Spain’s railway network: the separation between Adif (the rail infrastructure manager) and Renfe (the train operator). He criticized this separation, which was established to comply with European regulations back in 2005, arguing that “it makes no sense to separate so much; no other country has done it.” Galve advocates for a unified technical body that can coordinate functions between the two entities, thereby ensuring smoother operations and avoiding political interference.
Investment and Resource Allocation Challenges
Another significant matter raised by Galve revolves around government investments in the railway system. He directly stated that Spain is not investing wisely in its rail network. Citing the disproportionate allocation of funds based on the political influence of different regions, Galve suggested that the substantial budget allocated for new high-speed lines could be better spent reinforcing and maintaining the existing infrastructure.
Next Steps for Improvement
Looking ahead, Galve has urged the Senate commission to implement a “proper audit” of the railway network’s condition, akin to an audit conducted after the tragic Angrois accident in 2014. This request aligns with the demands from the Adamuz Derailment Victims Association for immediate reforms to ensure safety and reliability in rail travel. However, Galve pointed out that the technology for real-time detection of track breaks is currently nonexistent in any railway system.
As the reputation of Spain’s railway system hangs in the balance, Galve’s insights serve as a crucial call to action, urging immediate attention to the systemic issues that undermine public confidence in rail travel.