Renfe International Projects (RPI) and Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to foster collaboration between the two companies in technical, operational, and strategic areas to strengthen their international presence.
The agreement establishes a common working framework that includes regular exchanges of information and personnel in areas such as railway R&D, operation and maintenance of both high-speed and conventional lines, as well as the exploration of joint opportunities in international markets.
Through this agreement, JR Central and RPI aim to enhance their railway expertise by sharing best practices and collaborating in key areas such as high-speed rail operation and maintenance.
Both companies have relevant international experience and share the goal of identifying synergies that will enable them to jointly participate in high-value international initiatives. The Memorandum highlights both parties’ intention to build a long-term relationship focused on projects of mutual interest.
With the signing of this agreement, Renfe strengthens its role as a global player in the railway sector, forging strategic alliances with top-tier international operators and contributing to the development of sustainable, efficient, and globally connected mobility.
Spain has the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world, with 3,973 km in operation, second only to China and ahead of Japan. This position, combined with Renfe’s strong operational and technical capabilities, makes the Spanish railway model an export benchmark.
According to the EU Transport in Figures report from 2024, of the total length of over 1,600 km of lines currently under construction, approximately 1,000 km are in Spain. Additionally, according to the UIC Atlas 2023 study, Spain plans to build a further 789 km. It is the only EU country with such an extensive network and ranks second globally, after China, which has a network of nearly 40,500 km.
It is worth noting that Spain’s high-speed rail market is liberalised. Renfe has faced increased competition from new entrants by launching its own low-cost commercial service, Avlo, in June 2021 on the Madrid–Barcelona corridor. Eight months later, in February 2022, services began on the Madrid–Valencia route, followed in 2023 by services between Madrid and Alicante, as well as between Seville and Málaga.
Furthermore, as of April 2024, Renfe has launched services on the Valladolid–Alicante route. Renfe has introduced its own brand, Avlo, on all corridors where new operators have entered the market, while continuing to operate its premium high-speed services under the Ave brand.
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