Railway \u00a0liberalization\u00a0 has reached cruise speed with spectacular results for \u00a0passengers\u00a0, but it’s demolishing the \u00a0accounts\u00a0 of operators.<\/p>\n
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Why is it important<\/strong>. The train price war is dramatically changing the \u00a0transport map\u00a0 in Spain. Users benefit from more low-cost options and \u00a0affordable prices\u00a0, but companies are bleeding money in a battle that has also raised questions about the sustainability of the current business model.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In figures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The context<\/strong>. Ouigo has emerged as the undisputed champion of low prices. In the first quarter, it was the most economical operator in four<\/a> of the five liberalized routes:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only in the Madrid-Valencia route did Avlo surpass it, and that was by a mere 25 cents. This aggressive strategy is delivering results<\/a>. The French subsidiary has captured 36% of the market share in the Madrid-Valencia service, 25% in Madrid-Valencia, and 15% in Madrid-Barcelona.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, but<\/strong>. Profitability is another major concern. Although sources have not disclosed the exact losses of each operator in 2024, data shows<\/a> that average revenue remains significantly lower than what Renfe achieved during its monopoly period.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The operators have managed only a \u00a06%\u00a0 increase in average income on the Madrid-Barcelona route, bringing it to merely \u00a08 cents per traveler per kilometer\u00a0, a figure that is still 35% lower than the monopoly era.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Deepen.<\/strong> Beyond the numbers, \u00a0liberalization\u00a0 is fundamentally reshaping mobility habits. The \u00a0train\u00a0 has decisively beaten airlines in popularity: on the Madrid-Barcelona route, the railway’s market share has surged from 65% to 81.5%, while other routes now boast an 80-90% railway quota.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, the financial sustainability of the sector is now at risk. If current margins fail to provide long-term profitability, a decision must inevitably be made: either prices will need to rise, or some operators may\u9000\u51fa the market.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Xataka, it has been reported that Renfe has relied on Avril trains to compete with the low-cost strategies of Ouigo and Iryo, but these have not been without their own issues.<\/p>\n Outstanding image | Dani Guitar<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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