Today, the lower house of the Spanish Parliament rubber-stamped the Sustainable Mobility Bill after taking onboard 20 amendments from the PP group in the Senate. Among them, the measure that reinstates Renfe’s former punctuality commitment—which was valid until 2024.
Sources at the Ministry for Transport and Sustainable Mobility underscored that the Act enshrines “a fundamental right, the right to mobility,” and stands to benefit railway workers, industry, and the nation itself, unlocking nearly €10 billion in EU funds, which hinge upon its approval.
Initially introduced by former Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez in 2022, the legislative journey was derailed by the snap election and the dissolution of Parliament. This resulted in a delay of almost three years for final ratification and several alterations to the original text.
The bill received lower house approval on 8 October, but—true to form—the Senate insisted on further scrutiny before the final sign-off.
The Act aims to electrify the transport network, scrap short-haul domestic flights where viable rail alternatives exist, and establish direct state funding for urban public transport. In addition, firms employing more than 200 staff must now develop sustainable mobility plans, while provisions are made for a comprehensive overhaul of road transport routes.