Spanish public operator Renfe and Catalonia’s Regional Government have agreed to modify the distribution of the new high-capacity Rodalies de Catalunya trains to better adapt to the network’s needs.
In December 2022, Renfe exercised the option to purchase 49 trains of the 100 m 452 series, manufactured by Alstom, for 367.6 million euros. It also ordered Stadler to manufacture 20 additional 200 m units of the 453 series.
UT 453, Renfe’s new “Vessel”.
Both extensions were intended for the renewal of rolling stock for Rodalies. However, as leaked by La Vanguardia, on 16 December it was decided not to take any of the 20 trains of the 453 series and to increase the number of 452 trains to 72.
The reason, according to this information, is that 200 m trains cannot run on all lines due to the length of the platforms. However, 100 m trains can run both single and double trains, offering greater flexibility.
Although the number of Alstom units increases by 23, the equivalent of 20 200 m trains would have been 40 100 m trains.