Spain: Regulator calls for end to direct contracts for Cercanías trains

With the publication of a new report, the National Commission of Markets and Competition of Spain revealed several serious barriers to entry that will be faced companies seeking to compete with Renfe, the state railway company, when the sector is liberalized in December 2020 .

The study indicates that the surplus capacity of the network (greater than 70%) should favor new operators. However, it identifies various challenges and obstacles, including the belonging of Renfe and Adif to the Development group, questioning their autonomy before said Ministry, or the neutrality of the latter to these state-owned companies.

The president of the CNMC, José María Marín Quemada, stressed that it is “essential to prevent Renfe from using the subsidies received for the provision of services subject to public service obligations to compete more aggressively in the free market”.
Full Content: El País

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