Spain to Invest €84.3 Million in Rail Accessibility Services

The Spanish Council of Ministers has authorized the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility to tender a contract worth €84.3 million (excluding VAT) for the provision of accessibility services at train stations and on trains for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The two-year contract, awarded through Adif, will ensure continued specialized support for travelers throughout the Spanish rail network.

Enhanced Support for Passengers

The service, known as Adif About, provides assistance to passengers with disabilities – including motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments – as well as those with reduced mobility, such as elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people traveling with strollers. Assistance includes navigating stations, boarding and disembarking trains, and settling into seats.

Record Assistance Levels in 2025

Adif About reached a record high in 2025, providing assistance to 849,306 passengers, a 7% increase compared to 2024. This demonstrates a growing demand for accessibility services on Spanish railways.

Infrastructure Improvements

The contract will facilitate the incorporation of 270 new lifting platforms at stations in 2025, improving access to trains for wheelchair users. This investment aims to respond to increasing passenger traffic and enhance the overall travel experience for those requiring assistance.

Accessing Adif About Services

Adif About services are offered free of charge and can be requested through railway company sales channels or in person at 70 Adif stations. Requests can be made up to 30 minutes before departure at these stations, and at least 12 hours in advance at the remaining 76 stations.

Recent Leadership Changes in Spanish Railways

Recent changes in leadership within the Spanish railway system include the appointment of Ángel Contreras as the new president of Adif . This follows a broader reshuffle by the new minister for transport and sustainable mobility, Óscar Puente.

Ongoing Infrastructure Maintenance

In February 2024, the Spanish Council of Ministers similarly authorized a €328.4 million contract for the maintenance of electrical installations on the conventional rail network, managed by Adif . This 36-month contract, with potential for a 24-month extension, covers over 9,200 km of overhead line and 341 electrical substations.