Spain: According to Spanish media, Renfe, the national operator, has decided to seek a higher fine from the train manufacturer, €166 mln instead of the €116 mln previously announced, as compensation for lost revenue from passenger traffic. Talgo says it has not yet received a lawsuit.
In 2016-2017, the companies signed a contract worth almost €1.5 bln for 30 high-speed Avril trains with a maximum speed of 330 km/h. The operator expected to receive the first batch in January 2021, but it has not yet been delivered.
Talgo blamed the delay on disruptions in the supply chain, and according to CEO Gonzalo Urquijo, the trains will enter service in March or April this year. The trains are now being tested in Spain and are expected to cover 25,000 km, but in the last week alone, 75% of the test runs have involved the brakes being activated mid-trip because the safety system was not working properly.
