Two weeks after a bold move, the French SNCF rolled out the Barcelona–Paris route single-handedly, while Renfe responded with a strategic countermove on the European arena. The Spanish operator had held a prominent stance since late December, seeking permissions to propose Madrid–Marseille and Barcelona–Lyon services. The two rail giants had partnered to operate for a decade, weaving a complex tapestry of cooperation and rivalry on key cross-border corridors.
Early chatter indicated that Renfe aimed to remarket these trips before the summer season, according to sources within the rail operator. The plan envisioned offering 14 days of travel per link, totaling 28 days, as liberalization progressed in a market that remains less developed for passengers compared with neighboring France. Initial tests of the French rail infrastructure were slated to begin early in the new year, signaling steps toward broader cross-border scheduling and integrated services.
With Consolidated Ouigo
In December, SNCF and Renfe paused negotiations after a lengthy period of talks. Although the conflict captured headlines, SNCF executives launched Ellipsos, a joint venture between the two companies, with a budget of ten million euros per year, roughly one hundred million over a decade. The Barcelona–Paris service was the lone route reported to operate without a deficit in that arrangement, while the Spaniards described the French decision as unilateral and potentially unfair to their interests.
Following these developments, Renfe Avant continued to operate the Figueres corridor, asserting that it would maintain pricing despite facing reductions in several circulations after a dispute with SNCF. Parisian strategists argued that SNCF could operate independently and that Renfe might not be able to replicate the same level of control. Observers described this as a purely strategic decision anchored in economic considerations rather than a simple confrontation over service levels.
As the year progressed, Renfe expressed a firm stance on competitive behavior, highlighting that Ouigo’s broader presence in the Spanish rail market did not compel renfe to abandon its pricing framework. The overarching message from Renfe stressed that strategic autonomy and market dynamics would shape how cross-border routes develop in the near term, with both sides weighing a variety of economic and regulatory factors.
Staff Education
To kick off commercial activities in the summer, Renfe began driver training aimed at preparing for the expanded cross-border operations. Training would continue through mid-April and would be followed by ongoing staff development to support the new routes centering on Barcelona. The practical goal was to ensure readiness for increased service frequency and improved customer experience on the expanded network as liberalization efforts moved forward.
Nevertheless, the rivalry between Renfe and SNCF shows no sign of cooling. Leaders at Renfe emphasized the ongoing work toward obtaining the necessary Safety Certificate to operate in France. They noted that SNCF Ouigo already has established operations in Spain, underscoring the broader context of continued liberalization across the Franco-Spanish rail corridor. The parties signaled that more steps would be announced as regulatory approvals and organizational readiness align, shaping how cross-border rail travel evolves in the near future.
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