The Iberian Railway Alliance, which includes 20 Portuguese and Spanish organizations, on Thursday called on the governments of the two countries to improve rail links, with proposals to be implemented as early as next year and others by 2030.
The call comes on the eve of the Portuguese-Spanish summit and at a time when the associations believe that the current rail links between Portugal and Spain are “the worst in recent decades”.
“In a context of climate emergency and with the level of commitment in Europe to increase the mode of transport by rail, the current situation between two states so close and with a compatible network is not justified”writes in a statement the alliance consisting of 20 social, trade union and environmental organizations.
Recalling the cancellation of night services connecting Portugal to Spain and France in 2020, which have not resumed in the meantime, Aliança Ibérica says there are currently only two international train connections: between Porto and Vigo, and between Entroncamento and Badajoz. .
The resumption of canceled overnight calls (from Lisbon and Madrid and Hendaye, France) is precisely one of the short-term measures being advocated.
The associations also plan to extend the intercity currently connecting Madrid with Badajoz to Lisbon next year and to replace the regional train Entroncamento – Badajoz with one from the Portuguese capital.
For the current connection between Porto and Vigo, they are calling for an increase in frequency, with a new afternoon service in both directions, as well as for the extension of services between Guarda and Vilar Formoso to the Spanish city of Salamanca.
In addition to short-term measures, the Iberian Alliance also proposes the creation of connections from Lisbon to Madrid, Barcelona and A Coruña, and from Porto to Madrid by 2027, and advocates the 2030 horizon solutions that will extend the connection between the south of Portugal , through Faro and Seville, and between the Douro line and Salamanca.
The Portuguese-Spanish summit, dedicated to innovation, will take place on Friday in Braga and Viana do Castelo, chaired by Prime Minister António Costa and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez.
Source: DN
