Spanish congress approves restoration of Renfe’s old punctuality commitment

Spain’s Congress of Deputies has passed, by 191 votes to 158, the Popular Party amendment to the Sustainable Mobility Law, which seeks to restore, from 1 January 2026, compensation for delays of 15 and 30 minutes on Renfe’s high-speed and long-distance services.

The proposal, previously approved in the Senate before the bill was sent back to the lower house, was backed by the PP, Vox, Junts, ERC and PNV. However, Renfe and Transport Minister Óscar Puente have both indicated they will study ways to legally avoid reinstating these compensations.

They argue it erodes the level playing field Renfe enjoys. These trains are commercial services in which Renfe acts as a private operator. Forcing Renfe to adjust its punctuality commitment is akin to forcing Ouigo and Iryo to do the same.

Until 1 July 2024, when the Voluntary Punctuality Commitment was amended, Renfe refunded 50% of the ticket price if a delay exceeded 15 minutes and 100% if it exceeded half an hour. Since then, travellers can only claim 50% of the ticket for delays between 60 and 89 minutes, or 100% if delays exceed 90 minutes. Notably, compensation doubles if claimed through Más Renfe points.

A punctuality commitment Renfe deems harmful

The public operator defended the change on grounds of the high cost of indemnities, which topped €42 million in 2023, and the need to harmonise its policies with those of other European rail operators.

In Spain, only Ouigo offers compensation for delays beyond 30 minutes. For delays of 30 to 59 minutes, a voucher worth 50% of the ticket can be used for travel. For delays of 60 to 89 minutes, the voucher remains at 50% but can be exchanged for money. Delays exceeding 90 minutes lift the voucher’s value to 100% and can also be converted into cash.

Meanwhile, Iryo sticks to the statutory minimum, refunding 50% of the ticket for delays between 60 and 89 minutes and 100% for delays of 90 minutes or more.