FAQ

What is this announcement of an operator for the Texas high-speed train and what does it mean?

Texas Central has chosen one of the world’s premiere train operators, Renfe, to assist in developing the plans and procedures necessary to put the Texas high-speed train into service and provide Texans with a safe, reliable and predictable travel choice.

Renfe, in partnership with Adif, which manages Spanish railway infrastructure, will provide technical advice to help in the design and construction of Texas train and assist in the further development of Texas Central’s operation and maintenance plans, preparing the railroad for passenger service. The operator will run the trains; maintain system components, such as the engines, signals and other equipment; oversee ticketing, passenger loyalty programs and other services.

Having the operator, the design build and technology teams all on board and able to collaborate is an import step in making sure all aspects of the railroad are integrated and efficient.

Who is Renfe and why/how was the company selected as the operator?

Renfe is one of the world’s most significant railways operators, running 5,000 trains daily on 7,500 miles of track. The company is integral to the transport system in Spain, its home base, handling more than 487 million passengers and 19.6 million tons of freight moved in 2017.

Texas Central invited a select group of the world’s top train operators to participate in an international selection process. Through a competition of more than six months involving five companies, Texas Central chose Renfe as the best fit for the Texas high-speed train. Renfe brings to the project wide experience and proven qualifications in high-speed rail service. And, they have experience in successfully deploying trains into markets that are predominately automobile-centric.

What will Renfe’s role look like once train operations begin?

As a strategic partner to Texas Central, Renfe will provide technical advice to develop plans and procedures needed to put the Texas high-speed train into service. This work will inform the final design of the train system, as well as construction.

Beyond this phase of work, Renfe could be awarded an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract and become operators of the Texas train, to provide safe and efficient passenger train service to Texans.

What kind of expertise does Renfe have?

Renfe, along with its sister companies of Adif and Ineco, has built and operated one of the world’s largest high-speed rail systems in Spain. Additionally, they have recently put into service a new high-speed train line in Saudi Arabia, the Al Hariman line.

Renfe operates more than 5,000 high-speed trains daily and transported more than 487 million passengers last year.

How can we be sure Renfe can operate in a uniquely Texas market?

Renfe and its sister companies bring to Texas extensive experience in both establishing new service and in working with new technologies. This specific expertise makes Renfe the right fit for Texas, since this is the first ever high-speed train service here.

They will collaborate with the design build consortium (recently announced to be led by the addition of Salini Impreglio) and the technology partners to ensure a holistic, efficient approach for the Texas Central Railroad. The combination of these best in class global experts are setting the foundation for the new American industry we are creating here in Texas.

Does Renfe now have equity in the system? Is the company now an investor in the project?

No. Renfe is working under contract for the project.

How is Renfe’s work different from the work other worldwide firms are doing on the project?

Having the operator, the design build and technology teams all on board and able to collaborate is an import step in making sure all aspects of the railroad are integrated and efficient.

As an operator, Renfe’s work is focused on providing train passengers with an excellent experience – from how they buy their tickets to safely carrying them down the tracks. Renfe has expertise in everything about operating and maintaining a train system.

Significant work is necessary in this phase of the project to determine how the system components (track, bridges, signals, communications, trainsets) will be maintained during operations.