Renfe has given the green light to establish a jointly owned subsidiary responsible for managing the Alternative Transport Plans (known as PAT) by road. These services are activated when train operations are disrupted by works or incidents, whether temporary or ongoing.
With this move, the operator aims to reduce its reliance on external companies and deliver a faster, more efficient response for passengers.
The model provides for a ten-year framework contract, extendable by a further five years, with Renfe holding a 49% stake and the contracted partner owning 51%. The initiative will ensure a stable fleet of coaches, sufficient drivers, and a more professional approach to management.
The project’s estimated cost is €61.5 million, expected to generate annual savings of between €9 and €13 million—around 10–15% of current expenditure.
Through this plan, the company seeks to improve its response to unforeseen disruptions and to guarantee the quality of public service amid an unprecedented programme of modernisation across the national rail network.