The two and a half or three hours -depending on the service- that takes the AVE between Madrid and Barcelona can be converted into three and a half or four with the AVLO, Renfe's new low-cost train without the operator having to face compensation to its passengers If it exceeds that period, the compensation will range between five and 30 euros, according to the price structure announced by the president of Renfe, Isaías Taboas.

AVLO and AVE have the same travel times and the same speed to cover the distance that separates both capitals. But Renfe does not guarantee punctuality in the same way.

Renfe's low-cost train fares exclude the punctuality commitment that the operator gives to the AVE. This commitment includes compensating travelers with 50% of the ticket for delays exceeding 15 minutes and 100% with half an hour. In the case of the AVLO, which will cost between 10 and 60 euros, travelers will be subject to the general regulations set out in the Railway Sector Regulation and that establishes the 50% refund with a delay of one hour and 100% of the ticket with hour and half. It is a period of time that gives the company much greater margin. In the event that an incident affects at the same time, for example, an AVE and an AVLO, the logic says that the former will have preference.

The complete list of the services included in the AVE that will be paid in the AVLO is neither definitive nor quantified. Unless they pay an extra , the second users will have limited the number and size of suitcases, the choice of seat or the use of the Wi-Fi service.

Taboas announced yesterday that children under 14 may travel for fixed rates of five euros. Of course, they must be accompanied by an adult at a maximum rate of two minors per adult. The AVLO does not allow traveling to children under 14 years alone because this service is offered by the AVE, which requires that the minor travel in preference and holds the train staff responsible for its delivery to an adult at the destination station. Since the new low-cost train has a single class and has the minimum staff to operate, it cannot offer the accompanying service.

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  • Renfe
  • Barcelona
  • Madrid

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