The Spanish government has decided to maintain free rail transport on commuter and medium-distance trains for passengers making regular trips for the whole of 2023. This measure, which was initially going to end on December 31st this year, will last for a year longer. This was announced by the Spanish finance minister, María Jesús Montero, during the press conference following today's cabinet meeting in Madrid, which also launched the Spanish government's budget project for 2023. Montero pointed out that, as well as extending the free rail travel measure, it will turn it into a structural policy so that its impact can be monitored and for the "benefits on sustainability and the reduction of polluting emissions, to encourage the use of public transport to the detriment of the private vehicle". In this regard, the Spanish government has explained that the budget for 2023 will include 700 million euros in funding for the ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, which will mean an increase of 41.2% compared to last year. The PSOE and Unidas Podemos have approved their budget plan, which they call "the most expansive of Spanish democracy", with more than 198 billion euros in total spending, which will incorporate salary increases for civil servants, updating of pension levels, more health expenditure and new assistance for families and the unemployed.
In fact, the rail operator Renfe has issued nearly 500,000 free commuter and medium-distance passes in Catalonia in the first month of the transport bonus, originally brought in as a measure due to the economic crisis arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The rail operator explained this week that of the total number of free tickets issued, 83.5% are passes for traveling in Catalan commuter trains - Rodalies - while the rest are for regional trains. In addition to the free vouchers, Renfe has sold nearly 6,000 tickets with 50% Avant discounts for high-speed medium-distance services valid until January 31st, 2023.
Deposit of 10 euros
The reduction in public transport fares, which includes free commuter and medium-distance passes, came into effect on September 1st. To access these discounts, you need to make a prior registration either at Renfe.com or through its app, and are required to make a deposit of 10 euros (for commuter trains) or 20 euros (for medium-distance services). The deposit paid will be returned if at the end of December a minimum of four monthly trips have been made, that is, 16 trips in total over the four month period. If this condition is not met, the deposit will not be returned. It is recommended that you pay the deposit by bank card, to facilitate automatic reimbursement. If the deposit is paid in cash, the refund must be requested at ticket offices, customer service offices or other Renfe after-sales services.