The Spanish government is to begin tendering for a private-sector partner to support Renfe’s new freight operations.
Last year, the government announced plans to restructure the state-owned operator. This included merging freight and logistics subsidiaries Irion, Multi and Contren into a single freight division.
Renfe will be split into four different organisations spanning the current passenger and freight operations as part of a liberalisation programme designed to create a level playing field for private operators in the Spanish market.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has said it also plans to establish its new rolling stock leasing arm in April – another element of the restructure.
Private operators are also expected to be allowed to bid for a selection of long-distance and high-speed services for the first time this year.
