The use of the Urda accident line surged by 28% in five years and operators demanded to change the LZB: "It is very important"

The use of the Urda accident line increased by 28% over five years, prompting operators to call for a change from the outdated LZB safety system to ERTMS. Following two tragic accidents, the Madrid-Sevilla high-speed corridor faces technological upgrades to address safety concerns while accommodating rising traffic. The competition among Renfe, Iryo, and Ouigo has led to a significant increase in train services, but the transition to ERTMS, initiated in 2021, remains incomplete. Operators emphasize the need for modern signaling to enhance service quality, as the current LZB system is considered outdated despite being safe. The Spanish government has significantly increased investment in high-speed rail maintenance, aiming to improve infrastructure and safety standards.