Spain to transfer 41 used trains to Valencia rail network

The Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced the reinforcement of the Valencia commuter rail network (Rodalies de València) through the progressive incorporation of 41 used Civia 465 series trains from Madrid. These units, which entered service between 2003 and 2012, have been refurbished to improve comfort, accessibility, and equipment.

Renfe plans to deploy 22 units by the end of the year, with the remaining 19 arriving by 2027. The trains will serve lines C1 (Valencia-Gandia), C2 (Valencia-Xàtiva-Moixent), and C6 (Valencia-Castelló). The Ministry estimates that replacing current units with these five-car trains will increase passenger capacity on electrified lines by approximately 30%, as the Civia 465 can carry up to 748 passengers compared to the 549 capacity of the existing 447 units.

The announcement has drawn political criticism from the PP and Compromís parties. Opponents have questioned the characterization of the move as a “modernization,” arguing that the government is transferring aging equipment—some up to 23 years old—from Madrid to Valencia. Critics described the measure as a “patch” rather than an integral solution to the region's railway issues.