Spain adds to its rail network at high speed - summary (earthtimes)

Madrid - King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia the Spain Saturday inaugurated a new line in the country, which is currently considered the most advanced in the European high-speed train network. ?? royal couple took the train to high-speed AVE de Madrid in Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast Eastern. Other passengers aboard the Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Minister of infrastructure José Blanco. ?? Wednesday, Prince heir Felipe had inaugurated another segment of the same line, off the coast of the branches in Albacete in the Southeast. The new railway line "marks an important step in the expansion of our network of high speed … which today becomes one of the most comprehensive and modern in the world," King said after his arrival in Valencia. Zapatero describes Spain as a world leader in the high speed trains - preceded only by China, according to the Government. ?? "Spain exceeded same old pioneers such as the France and the Japan", said Blanco. ?? Travel at up to 330 kilometres per hour, the AVE cover road 391 km between Madrid and Valencia all 95 minutes earlier faster than trains twice. ?? More than 3.5 million people should go each year on the new line, according to the Renfe railway. ?? running 15 times a day between Madrid and Valence in both directions, the AVE is expected to reduce flight traffic on highway 55% car trafficking 25% and 5% bus. ?? construction of the new railway line high speed cost 6.6 billion euros ($8.6 billion). ?? Spain began to develop its rail network at high speed in 1992 with the opening of a line linking Madrid to Seville. The AVE now also travel to other cities such as Malaga, Toledo and Valladolid. ?? AVE network currently covers 2,200 kilometres. The line linking Madrid to Barcelona, opened in 2008, is due to be extended to the side of the French border by 2012. ?? network includes three types of trains: a new version of French TGV, another ICE-3, as well as a Canadian Spanish - German form known as El Pato (duck). ?? AVE network has been praised for reviving the poorest regions, boost technology exports and improve connections with the rest of Europe Spain transport. ?? Reviews, however, not all AVE lines are profitable and the Spain is neglecting the potential offered by traditional trains.
Posted by Earth Times staff