Spain's high-speed rail services achieved a remarkable milestone in the third quarter of 2023, transporting over 8.4 million passengers, marking a 32% year-on-year increase. This surge in passenger numbers is attributed to heightened competition in key corridors, particularly the Madrid-Alicante route, which saw a 66% increase in travelers since the introduction of competition in April.

The Madrid-Valencia corridor experienced the highest growth, with a staggering 96% increase, while other routes to Andalucía also reported significant gains. The introduction of multiple operators, including Iryo, has led to a more competitive environment, resulting in lower ticket prices and increased service options for consumers.

Renfe Viajeros remains the dominant player in the market, holding a market share between 50% and 74% across various corridors. However, Iryo has made notable gains, capturing 32% of the Madrid-Sevilla market and 26% in the Madrid-Málaga/Granada routes. The entry of Iryo has also led to substantial price reductions, with fares dropping by 24% and 19% on the Madrid-Sevilla and Madrid-Málaga routes, respectively.

Despite the positive trends in passenger transport, the freight transport sector has seen a decline, with significant drops in both net tons and ton-kilometers. The market share for freight operators like Renfe Mercancías, Captrain, and Continental has also decreased compared to the previous quarter.

For the first time, the Spanish Competition Authority has made passenger data available in an open and reusable format through its CNMCData portal, enhancing transparency and accessibility for stakeholders.