High-Speed Train Services Resume Between Madrid and Valencia After Storm Disruptions
The three high-speed train operators, Renfe, Iryo, and Ouigo, are set to resume services between Madrid and Valencia this morning following track repairs by the infrastructure manager Adif. These repairs came in the wake of a storm that struck on October 30, which prompted a red alert from Aemet (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency) that has since been lifted.
Originally, the operators planned to resume train services between the two major cities early on Thursday. However, due to the red alert issued yesterday, these operations were postponed until this morning. With the alert now lifted, Renfe is also reinstating local train services in the Valencia area starting at noon today.
Train schedules have been promptly organized to accommodate travelers. The first AVE train from Renfe departed Madrid at 11:30 AM, while the first outbound service from Valencia left at 12:21 PM. On the Madrid-Valencia route, Renfe will run a total of 199 weekly high-speed services, offering approximately 80,000 seats. This includes 30 AVE and Avlo trains running daily from Monday to Friday, with 15 trains in each direction.
Iryo is expected to start its services today, with the first train leaving Valencia at 1:57 PM and departing from Madrid at 2:45 PM. In total, Iryo will provide six services today, three in each direction. Ouigo, which initially planned to restart services tomorrow, has adjusted its schedule and will commence operations today at 1:15 PM with a departure from Madrid, followed by a 3:00 PM train from Valencia, also offering six services.
In addition to the Madrid-Valencia route, Renfe will also resume the Valencia-Barcelona line, with the first Euromed train leaving Barcelona at 10:15 AM and departing from Valencia at 11:25 AM.
Regarding local services, there will be a partial reduction in service frequency for lines C1, C2, and C6, along with the associated bus services on lines C1 and C2. Train services for lines C1, C2, and C6 will be scheduled every hour in each direction, both for train services and alternative transport options. However, the Valencia-Buñol-Utiel line (C3) will maintain its current plan, with buses avoiding stops at Cheste and Loriguilla stations due to infrastructure conditions.
Following the lifting of the red alert, mobility restrictions in Valencia have also been lifted, allowing normal operations to resume. Valencia's President, Carlos Mazón, thanked residents for their cooperation during this period. This resumption of services is expected to bring relief to travelers who rely heavily on train transportation between these bustling cities.
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