In an 18-second video and making reference to one of the Oscars movies: this is how Renfe has presented, through its TikTok account, the new Cercanías trains that will be incorporated to its fleet. A renewal of the railway fleet -the first in 17 years- that will also affect the Media Distancia and is expected to be enjoyed by users of the service throughout this year.
It was in March 2021 when Renfe’s Board of Directors awarded Alstom Transporte and Stadler Rail Valencia the contract for the purchase of 211 high-capacity trains for Cercanías, for 2,445 million euros. These trains will run, in the company’s own words, “in the large Cercanías and Rodalies hubs”.
In August last year, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, announced in X that the first of Stadler’s 453 trains was already in Alcázar de San Juan ready to start testing, and in the middle of last month the Alstom company continued with its tests for both Cercanías and Rodalies.
What will the new Cercanías trains be like?
One of the changes has to do with a common demand among travelers: punctuality. In the words of one of the companies awarded the contract, Alstom, these new trains “will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to improve reliability and punctuality” and will have technology that will allow “more efficient operational decision-making”, resulting in “a better service”.
In addition, they will increase their capacity to at least 900 passengers per train (20% more than the current Civia) and the boarding and alighting time will be reduced thanks to a design with a minimum of 10 doors and wide vestibules. All will be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, will have wifi connection and areas for bicycles, suitcases or children’s strollers.
In terms of aesthetics, the new Cercanías trains will have, according to Renfe, state-of-the-art LED lighting, a streamlined design, a bright and spacious atmosphere, large and welcoming vestibules, high quality materials and finishes, large glass surfaces and wide and safe stairways.