Cercanías services are set to run at 75% of normal levels during peak periods and 50% for the rest of the day. Semaf is keeping a 24-hour strike in place across Renfe companies, from 00:01 to 23:59 on Thursday, 29 October. Around 6,000 workers are called out.
Rail traffic was already disrupted by the collision near Urda in Toledo. The crash occurred on 28 October at 08:53 local time, between Los Yébenes and Urda, on the Madrid to Córdoba high-speed line. A Renfe train and an Iryo train travelling on the Madrid-Seville corridor were involved. The high-speed line from Madrid through Ciudad Real to Andalucía remains interrupted. Renfe has arranged alternative road services between Madrid and Ciudad Real, as well as Puertollano; the journey is expected to take about 90 minutes longer. An investigation is under way. Railway Gazette reported that Transport Minister Óscar Puente had put the death toll at at least 64 at that stage.
An earlier accident report also covers the collision between two trains near Urda. Semaf says it does not yet know the full extent of the accident or the condition of the Renfe drivers who were in the train cab. The union has offered condolences to victims and their families. It has also urged train crews to take extra care while investigators establish what happened.
The strike is tied to railway safety demands and was called on 16 October, before the Urda crash. Semaf says progress on safety agreements has stalled after talks with the Transport Ministry, rail infrastructure manager Adif, the State Railway Safety Agency and Renfe. The union wants real, binding protocols for severe-weather emergencies, with clearer communications in dangerous situations. It is also calling for more drivers. Semaf is seeking psychological support after people are struck by trains and more reliable rolling stock.
Other demands include implementation of a 7 May agreement on new driver promotions and full application of a 1990 protocol on assistance after a person is struck by a train. Semaf has also called for a safety and working-conditions monitoring channel involving unions, alongside the State Railway Safety Agency and the Labour Inspectorate. Renfe says some issues raised, including driving-time rules and certain Labour Inspectorate actions, fall outside the company’s authority.
Renfe advises passengers to avoid travelling by train unless necessary. The company says many of the union’s demands fall outside its remit. It also says it has met commitments made after the Adamuz accident and increased staffing in recent months. Renfe has apologised for the disruption to passengers.
Minimum services vary by train type: 65% of scheduled Media Distancia services will operate, alongside 73% of Alta Velocidad and Larga Distancia trains. Freight services will run at 26% of their usual level. Cercanías Madrid has warned passengers to expect major disruption throughout the day and advised them to use other transport.
Renfe is offering free changes and cancellations to passengers affected by the suspension of the high-speed line. Iberia is adding three return flights: two between Madrid and Málaga, plus one between Madrid and Seville.
