Renfe has commenced on-route testing of its AVE high-speed trains that will operate between Spain and France.
This first test run took place on 16 January from Barcelona Sants, stopping in Girona, Figueres Vilafant, Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nimes and Valence TGV, before arriving in Lyon.
These tests aim to mirror commercial service and demonstrate the vehicles’ operational capabilities.
Throughout testing, Renfe is also completing the necessary training for its drivers and staff. This training is scheduled to continue until mid-April.
Commercial operations are then expected to start in two phases. In the first phase, the trains will operate between Madrid-Marseille and Barcelona-Lyon on alternate days. In the second phase, these routes will operate every day of the week, with two circulations in each direction.
The current plan aims to launch these new AVE services before summer 2023.
