The Spanish train drivers’ union SEMAF has called for total and partial strikes on November 10 and 12, 2026, targeting Renfe rail services nationwide. The industrial action aims to press for better rail safety following two deadly train collisions earlier in the year that have severely disrupted public confidence in Spain’s rail system.
Recent Fatal Train Collisions Shake Public Confidence
Within a span of nine months, Spain has witnessed two catastrophic train crashes resulting in over 100 deaths. A collision in Toledo province killed 69 people, marking the most recent tragedy. This followed a fatal accident on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line that claimed 49 lives. These events
have spurred SEMAF to demand urgent improvements in rail safety and maintenance.
Spain’s Extensive High-Speed Rail Network
Spain operates one of the world’s largest high-speed rail networks, with 3,900 kilometers of track, second only to China, which has 45,000 kilometers. The International Union of Railways defines high-speed trains as those traveling above 250 km/h. In 2024, nine million of the 13 million annual trips between Madrid and Barcelona were made using high-speed rail, highlighting its role as the primary mode for business and leisure travel.
Travel Disruptions Expected Amid Strike
Renfe train services across Spain are expected to face cancellations and delays on the strike dates. The strike follows earlier
work stoppages, including cancellations on November 5, 2026. Passengers have experienced delays of up to 50 minutes on some routes, such as the train from Madrid to Zamora after the recent crash. Travelers are advised to anticipate further service interruptions on November 10 and 12.
Government and Railway Officials Respond
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the broken trust in the high-speed rail system after the accidents, stating the government must understand what went wrong and provide solutions to prevent similar tragedies. He said, “Trust in our high-speed railway has been broken, and the job of this government is to not only understand what went
wrong but to offer the solutions so that a tragedy of this magnitude never happens again.” A train conductor also expressed gratitude toward passengers continuing to travel by rail despite recent events.
Passenger Sentiment Reflects Concern
Passengers expressed mixed feelings about safety following the accidents. Carla Fuentes, a 37-year-old economist, said, “I have to travel for work and am taking the train because I don’t have another option, but I have colleagues who are going by car and won’t take another train until something really changes.” She added, “Many lives were lost and there are a lot of people who are angry.” Another traveller,
María Rodríguez, remarked, “Two accidents in one year, with a lot of casualties. That is serious.” Meanwhile, a 29-year-old data analyst, Adrián Blaya, said he felt safer traveling now, commenting, “The safest time to travel in Ave is after a tragedy because this is when they are extra careful. Today, I feel safer travelling because I know they will be focused.”
Background on Rail Growth and Union Demands
High-speed rail travel in Spain has doubled its passenger count between 2019 and 2025, dramatically shortening journey times—for instance, reducing the Madrid-Barcelona trip from seven hours by old trains to two and a half hours by high-speed rail. This
growth has made rail the leading travel option between major cities. However, unions including SEMAF argue that investments have prioritized new high-speed lines over maintenance of existing infrastructure, partly contributing to recent safety failings that sparked the strikes.
