The high speed shuttles operating on the Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid line have successfully covered 3 million kilometres

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Successful new high speed shuttle from Alstom Spain

The regional high speed shuttles series 114, designed and manufactured by Alstom Spain, have exceeded the 3 million kilometre mark with excellent results in terms of reliability, punctuality, quality of service and maintenance.

In June 2011, the first unit of the series 114 was put into service in order to offer a high speed connection for medium distances. Manufactured by Alstom Spain, they run under the commercial name Avant and connect Madrid with the large towns of Segovia and Valladolid in 27 and 65 minutes respectively. Since begin of their commercial service, they have been used by more than 2 million passengers and have not registered any delays caused by the train. The punctuality rate is 96.6%; this fact and speed are the aspects of this service which travellers appreciate most.

Coinciding with the incorporation of the series 114 trains, the first of their type circulating in Spain, Renfe reinforced the service between Madrid-Segovia and Valladolid. Thus the frequency of trains to Valladolid was doubled, increasing from 4 to 8 trains per direction per day, whilst Segovia saw a rise from 7 to 10 services.

All trains were designed and manufactured in Alstom Transport´s industrial centre in Santa Perpètua (Barcelona). The signalling system was also developed by Alstom Spain, which has an engineering and service centre in Madrid.

Unique design with a new front for increased safety 

The trains have been designed exclusively to provide a high speed service for medium distances (more commonly known as shuttles). From a design point of view, they combine the requirements needed for high speed services (availability, services and safety) with new commercial ones (capacity and a range of services adapted to the needs) which in turn facilitate offering a profitable service. Examples of such new commercial needs are the absence of a cafeteria (which has been replaced by vending machines), an increased number of doors to improve access to the train, or the existence of only one class economy in all wagons. 

The series 114 incorporate improvements in traction, breaks and driving quality, as well as comfort, information systems and entertainment services. The trains also present higher reliability and availability rates, together with advances in energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

Regarding the exteriors, the train is notable for its long front, which is very different to the current train designs with similar characteristics. The front end entails one the main novelties, which makes it unique in its class. The train is equipped with a passive safety system whose main function is the absorption of energy produced in case of a front collision. At the same time, its design is more aerodynamic and reduces noise levels.

Maintenance of the units

Alstom is in charge of the full maintenance of these units, which is carried out in Renfe´s workshops in Fuencarral, Madrid. During its lifecycle, the series 114 receives a range of basic and medium inspections as well as general check-overs to guarantee the optimum performance and to enable the trains to reach the highest reliability and availability levels.

The services´ punctuality rate is 96.6%; this and the journey´s duration are the aspects most appreciated by the passengers who use this service.