[AMcWhirter]

Spain’s Renfe becomes the first European rail operator to densify seating on its high-speed trains.

As with the airlines, denser seating for rail means greater revenue per train.

The new AVE trains will enter service on May 21 and will eventually serve a variety of domestic and international routes.

In the case of the latter these would be routes like Barcelona-Lyon, Madrid-Marseilles and, when France’s regulator grants approval, the AVE S-106s will operate to Paris.

Reports in Spanish media say “These high capacity TGVs will optimise Renfe’s profitability since they can carry up to 500 passengers seated in 12 cars.”

UK rail experts are unhappy with the denser seating configuration which, at 2-2 in first and 2-3 in standard class, is what one would expect to find on a shorter distance train … let alone long distance international high-speed.

Renfe launches its new AVE S-106 trains on May 21, improving high-speed connections in Spain with more seats and faster journeys. They will also enhance Renfe's services in France, notably between Paris and Lyon. pic.twitter.com/8plTyZ47ic

— Renfe-Int (@Renfe_int) April 23, 2024

[Author]

Posts