The war in Spanish high-speed rail escalates. Renfe has denied Iryo the use of its facilities for heavy maintenance, arguing that the law only obliges it to provide space for light inspections. Iryo, which needs those workshops to keep its trains operational, has taken the case to the CNMC, which has already ruled in its favor, ordering Renfe to facilitate access.
Heavy maintenance: the technical key to the railway conflict 🚆
Railway maintenance is divided into levels. Level 1 includes daily inspections and minor component changes. Level 2, which Iryo is requesting, covers operations such as replacing bogies, braking systems, or traction. Renfe argues that its workshops are saturated with its own fleet and that ceding them for heavy work compromises its operations. The CNMC, however, considers that the refusal limits competition and harms the private operator.
Sharing a workshop like sharing a flat: there's always a conflict 🏠
The situation is reminiscent of when you share a flat and one person doesn't want to lend the washing machine. Renfe says heavy maintenance is like using its personal dryer, and that Iryo should buy its own. Iryo responds that it is only asking to use the communal laundry room because that's what everyone agreed upon when signing the track rental contract. In the end, the CNMC acts like the landlord who sets things straight: everyone does the dishes, but without abusing the hot water.