Manuel Carrelo, also known as Nenón, recently traveled by car from Ribadeo, Lugo to Gijón, Asturias to visit his girlfriend. When he checked the train schedules to return home, he realized that the fastest train takes over four and a half hours, while the slowest takes over six hours. Considering the good weather conditions, he decided to challenge himself to cycle the same distance. Nenón, a member of the Aerodynamics Academy Cycling Team, completed the approximately 150-kilometer journey in 4 hours and 38 minutes, which surprised him as the train typically takes much longer to cover the same distance.
After completing the journey, Nenón made a screenshot of his route, the time it took, and the schedules of the FEVE trains. His intention was not to intentionally cause trouble, but rather to highlight the discrepancies in travel times between cycling and taking the train. Nenón believes that the current state of railway transport in northern Spain is in need of improvement. He emphasized that not only are the schedules inconvenient, but there are also issues related to train reliability, with trains sometimes not stopping at the expected stations.
The dissatisfaction with the railway services in Asturias and Galicia is a common sentiment among residents. Many complain about the infrequent schedules and delays of the trains, making long-distance travel slow and inconvenient. There are also concerns raised about the age and condition of the trains, with many being described as outdated and worn out. The low quality of service has led to a decline in passenger numbers, with many opting for alternative means of transportation.
The delays and failures in the railway system are not limited to just the regional trains. The introduction of new Avril trains that were meant to improve high-speed connections in Galicia and Asturias has also faced setbacks. Originally scheduled for the first quarter, their arrival has been postponed indefinitely. The Ministry of Transport has been unable to provide a new timeline for their deployment, leaving passengers frustrated and disappointed with the state of public transportation in the region.
The aging infrastructure and lack of investment in the railway network have contributed to the deteriorating state of the service. The average age of the trains in Asturias, operated by FEVE, exceeds the established 30-year lifespan, with plans to introduce new units not scheduled until 2026. The situation is reflective of a long history of neglect and mismanagement of public transport, which will require significant effort and resources to rectify and restore trust in the system.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by the railway network in Asturias and Galicia are indicative of a broader issue of neglect and underinvestment in public transportation. The delays, outdated trains, and poor service quality have eroded public trust and confidence in the system. Efforts to modernize and improve the network will require significant resources and cooperation between various stakeholders to ensure that passengers have access to reliable and efficient transportation options in the region.
