Court decision in Madrid assigns liability for disruption aboard an AVE to 11 partygoers
In Madrid, the 43rd Court of First Instance issued a ruling concerning a group of eleven teenagers who were celebrating a bachelorette party aboard an AVE service traveling from Madrid to Málaga. The court condemned each individual to contribute to a total sum of 7,676 euros, the amount Renfe had to compensate to 216 passengers due to a delay attributed to the group’s conduct in the train cafe. The judgment frames the matter within Renfe’s commitment to punctuality, noting that the train arrived in Málaga about 23 minutes late.
The court’s decision aligns with Renfe’s formal claim, which dates back to July 6, 2018. The document describes how the group, during the rail journey, behaved in a way that disturbed the order inside the carriage, with loud shouting, singing, and banging on the train walls, despite staff interventions. The disruption prompted Renfe staff to request intervention from security personnel to manage the situation.
When the train paused at Córdoba for 15 minutes, the 11 individuals allegedly intensified their private celebration inside the train cafe, continuing to drink, dance, sing, and shout in an uncontrolled manner. After these actions failed to subside, the train’s inspector contacted the National Police, and several members of the group were eventually escorted off the train by police officers. The court’s findings emphasize that the delay was caused by the necessity of police involvement to disembark the passengers, thereby causing the late arrival to Málaga.
The issue before the court was whether it could verify civil liability at the moment of ticket purchase and whether Renfe could have avoided these costs by hiring security personnel or by restricting access to the train cafe for all passengers amid celebrations. The hearing record shows Renfe approving the ticket refunds and the 7,676-euro total, thereby asserting a solidaristic liability among the eleven participants due to the interdependent nature of their conduct during the trip. This stance is cited as part of the court’s determination on civil responsibility and collective accountability among the group.
Renfe’s awareness of rising group travel on AVE services is noted, alongside the ongoing concerns about how the behavior of some groups affects other passengers. The case illustrates how railway operators balance customer service, safety obligations, and the financial consequences of disruptions that affect multiple travelers. Counsel for Renfe argued that the disruption could have undermined the experience of other travelers and impaired the timetable assurances the operator publicly commits to maintaining. The court, in evaluating these concerns, considered the broader implications for reliable service delivery and passenger safety.
The court’s decision underscores the principle that a group engaging in disruptive actions on board a high-speed railway service can bear collective responsibility for the resulting costs. The case also highlights the role of railway security protocols and statutory provisions that empower staff to manage disturbances to preserve safety and order. The Madrid court’s ruling contributes to the evolving framework governing the accountability of passengers in situations where group celebrations intersect with the routine operation of long-distance rail services.
In summary, the judgment confirms that eleven individuals were found liable for the compensation incurred by Renfe due to the delay linked to their conduct. The decision reflects the interplay between passenger rights, operator duties, and the mechanisms by which a rail company recovers costs associated with disruptions caused by passenger behavior on board. While the ruling addresses a specific incident, it resonates with broader considerations about punctuality guarantees, security management, and the financial implications of disturbances on high-speed rail networks across Spain and comparable networks elsewhere. The case remains a reference point for discussions on civil liability in the context of rail travel and group celebrations aboard premium services. It also illustrates how authorities and operators interpret the balance between individual actions and collective outcomes in ensuring safe and timely rail operations. Source: 43rd Court of First Instance of Madrid; Renfe claim filed July 6, 2018
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