he January 1, 2026Renfe must return. Recover refund amounts for high-speed and long-distance train delays. With the support of Congress, thanks to the yes vote This Senate amendment to the Sustainable Mobility Act of PP, Vox, Junts, ERC and PNV was approved with the aim of restoring the previous on-time commitment to the one approved on July 1, 2024. This reduced the amount refunded to passengers whose trains experienced the greatest delays.
Effectiveness, delay time and new compensation
The Department of Transport is considering a legal formulation to avoid the changes, but now that the clause has become law, it stipulates: “The government will recover effectively.” From January 1, 2026 Renfe’s punctuality and refund promise prior to the July 2024 amendment once again guarantees compensation. 15 and 30 minutes late, 50 and 100% of the amount They are fast service and long distance service respectively. ”
Until nowthe amount for the delay updated by the PSOE Government in July 2024. If the train is delayed by 60 minutes, 50% of the ticket price will be charged, and if the train is delayed by 90 minutes or more, 100% will be charged.. This decision was taken with the aim of “adapting to the liberalization of the Spanish railway market” and “adapting” to Spanish and European legislation.
The fact that both Minister Oscar Puente and Minister Renfe want to block this change means that Spanish carriersIt will be at a disadvantage compared to its high-speed rivals Ouigo and Iryo.
How much does Oigoya Iryo stipulate the amount and time?
In recent years, Renfe has not been the only operator of high-speed and long-distance trains. The entry of the French company Wigo and the Italian majority-owned Illo began a competitive revolution in Spanish transport. Therefore, these two recent operators are European Regulation 1371/2007which sets out the rights and obligations of railway passengers in the EU.
Within this regulation, compensation for delays is based on a 50% refund of the ticket for a 60 minute delay and 100% refund after 90 minutes. Nevertheless, Ouigo has an exception where returns are made with a non-refundable purchase voucher.Iryo, on the other hand, like Renfe after the changes, will offer you a voucher or a cash refund if rejected.
Therefore, it remains debatable whether this new legal provision will remain only in Renfe or whether private operators will also be forced to adapt to this change in the near future. Moreover, if Minister Puente could find a formula to prevent it.
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