ON TRACK: Spain ready to launch new low-cost high-speed train service

SPANISH state-backed railway company Renfe’s president has said it already has all the trains it needs to launch its new high-speed low cost AVE service next year.

Isaias Taboas said Renfe would not depend on making more orders to launch new services.

Tickets will be competitive compared to making journeys by bus or car, the president added.

Taboas’s comments come as the Spanish rail market is gearing up for competition under EU rules requiring state train operators to give up their monopolies on services.