Spain: The Spanish operator has on numerous occasions stressed issues with the first ten high-speed trains, which were launched in May.
The majority of reported issues relate to the incorrect operation of electric equipment and doors, while passengers have also highlighted concerns regarding noise and vibration levels. One of the last faults occurred last week, resulting in 494 passengers having to break windows due to a two-hour blackout in hot weather.
Renfe stresses that this incident has forced it to commence preparing legal action against the manufacturer. Oscar Puente, Spain’s Minister of Transport, estimates that technical problems have put Avril’s on-time performance at 40.7%, compared with 76.2% for other high-speed trains.
The national operator has already initiated legal proceedings against Talgo for the 3.5-year delay in the delivery of the Avril high-speed trains, seeking a fine of €166 mln.