Renfe obtains the safety certificate to connect Barcelona and Toulouse

The European Union Agency for Railways has granted Renfe the necessary safety certificate to extend its operations between Barcelona and Toulouse, the company announced.

The European regulator has thus certified that the Spanish operator complies with all the requirements imposed by the French Security Agency (EPSF) and the Spanish Security Agency (AESF). Renfe can thus continue with its expansion plan in France and launch this third international route in the second quarter of 2025.

The French and Spanish safety agencies have issued favourable reports for Renfe to extend its Single Safety Certificate (SSC) from Perpignan to Toulouse, after verifying that it complies with the requirements regarding the corresponding risk analysis, equipment, driving and intervention personnel and adaptation of the SGS (Safety Management System).

Once this Safety Certificate has been issued, Renfe will be able to start training courses for staff (drivers and inspectors) on the new line from January, with the aim of starting to operate the service in the second quarter of 2025.

With the launch of this new international route, Renfe will consolidate its position as the leading operator of cross-border connections between Spain and France with its AVE trains. From spring, Renfe will offer six daily frequencies (three in each direction) that will connect 17 cities in both countries with direct flights.