SPAIN: RENFE’s low-cost high speed service, branded Avlo, is to launch later this year following a delay of more than a year caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having aborted plans to start the service in April 2020, RENFE has selected June 23 as the launch date; this marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the state operator. The first tickets went on sale on January 24, the basic fare from Madrid to Barcelona being held at €5 for a three-week period until February 14. Tickets can initially only be booked via the Avlo website [link?], although they will be available across RENFE’s channels from early February.
RENFE envisages a start-up service of four trips each way per day between Madrid, Barcelona and Figueres, although it says that the timetable can be adjusted to reflect demand. Avlo will operate a fleet of five modified Talgo Class 112 high speed trainsets seating 438 passengers. Like the rest of the RENFE high speed fleet, these will be certified as meeting enhanced hygiene standards, and be powered by energy from renewable sources.
