The Spanish competition authority, CNMC, has published results from a consultation with users of railway infrastructure and services, highlighting significant differences in satisfaction between passenger and freight transport.

In the passenger transport sector, 75% of users reported satisfaction with long-distance high-speed services, attributing improvements in frequency and pricing to increased competition. However, satisfaction dropped to 63% for commuter services.

Conversely, the freight transport sector faces challenges, with companies expressing dissatisfaction over competitiveness, capacity restrictions due to infrastructure works, and rising costs. They called for improvements, particularly in the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors.

While users of passenger services generally prefer rail over other transport modes, only half favored it for short trips. The survey also noted that where competition is lacking, prices tend to remain high or increase.

Overall, the CNMC's findings indicate a need for continued improvements in both sectors to enhance competitiveness and user satisfaction.