The railway company Renfe has focused its efforts over the past year and a half on repairing and improving the functionality of escalators and elevators in its stations. The previous situation, described as "unacceptable" by officials, meant that by early 2025, only half of the installed systems were operational.
The Minister of Territori, Sílvia Paneque, admitted that "the situation was absolutely unsustainable." The Generalitat attributes this deterioration to the "neglect" of the previous maintenance company, which was replaced upon the expiry of its contract. "In one year, we have managed to turn the situation around," celebrated Paneque, noting that currently 85% of elevators and 95% of escalators are functioning.
According to data provided by Renfe, during February, March, and April of 2025, the average number of operational elevators was 51%. Despite an improvement during the summer to 71%, functionality dropped to 69% in December. With the new shock plan and the new concessionaire since January, 85% elevator functionality has been achieved, remaining stable until June.
Regarding escalators, the worst period occurred in February 2025, with nearly half of the systems out of order. After a summer with 75% functionality, it reached 92% in November, although it fell below 70% in December. From January onwards, with the new company, the percentage rose to 87%, reaching almost 97% in April and standing at 95% in June, an increase of 30 points compared to the previous year.
Paneque acknowledges that they are still "far from excellence," but highlights the progressive improvement. She regrets the "certain neglect" by the previous contractor, Schindler. The new contract with TKE required six months of analysis by the new company to assess the system's deficiencies.
Sources from Renfe have confirmed the filing of a claim for the accumulated damages, although Schindler has filed a counterclaim challenging the new tender.
