SPAIN: National operator RENFE introduced the Class 599 DMU to the Cartagena - Murcia - Valencia route on September 28. Two services are operated each way daily with the new rolling stock, which with a maximum speed of 160 km/h has cut journey times by up to 28 min.
Offering only one class of accommodation, the Class 599 has a total of 182 seats and one wheelchair space. The low-floor centre trailer car of each unit is fully accessible, including the toilet, and also features a multi-functional space equipped with vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Other passenger amenities include reclining seats equipped with power points and footrests. Reservations are now compulsory, and new fares include tickets for 10 journeys or unlimited travel within a month.
CAF is supplying 50 Class 599s to RENFE for medium-distance services on the broad gauge network. Each three-car DMU weighs 159 tonnes when empty and is 75·9 m in length. Up to three units can operate in multiple.
