Standing room only on a high speed train. It sounds odd, but it could soon be part of travelling by rail in Spain.
A new idea being discussed by the Ministry of Transport could bring cheaper train tickets without assigned seats. Passengers would be able to board certain AVE and long distance trains without a reservation, sitting only if there are free seats or travelling standing for shorter journeys. The aim is simple, to lower prices and fill trains that currently run with empty seats.
The proposal was confirmed by Transport Minister Óscar Puente, who says Renfe is very keen to test the system. The focus would be on short routes, where standing for a limited time would be more realistic and, for some people, an acceptable trade off for a cheaper fare.
Speaking on Cadena SER, Puente explained that this model is already common across much of Europe. In countries such as Germany and Italy, passengers can buy a ticket that allows them to travel, but not necessarily sit down unless they pay extra for a seat reservation.
Spain’s trains: Ghost reservations
One of the main reasons behind the idea is the problem of so called ghost reservations. These are seats booked using season tickets or discounted fares that are never actually used. The result is trains leaving with gaps, even when demand is high. Selling non reserved tickets could help fill those spaces and make better use of capacity.
That said, the plan comes with plenty of questions. Safety is one of the biggest. Passenger insurance and emergency procedures would need to be reviewed to account for people travelling without seats, especially in the event of sudden braking or evacuations.
Comfort is another concern. Consumer groups have already warned that cheaper tickets could come at the cost of a worse travel experience. On busy services, luggage space is already tight, and adding standing passengers could test patience levels.
There is also the small matter of what counts as a short journey. The minister has not defined this clearly. For some people, 30 minutes is fine. For others, even an hour on their feet with a suitcase is a step too far. Public acceptance will likely depend on where that line is drawn.
Rail travel across Europe
Puente points out that Spain is unusual in Europe for requiring assigned seats on almost all high speed services. In Germany, for example, the basic ticket allows travel only. A seat is guaranteed only if a reservation supplement is paid. Otherwise, passengers find a free seat or stand in designated areas. At present, this kind of travel is only allowed in Spain on local Cercanías services.
The idea is not to remove seat reservations altogether. Those who want a guaranteed seat would still be able to pay for one. The change would simply offer another option, pay less and accept fewer comforts.
For now, there are no confirmed routes, dates or prices. The ministry says it is still at the study stage. Any rollout would require changes to transport rules, insurance conditions and rail regulations, which currently require assigned seats on AVE and most long distance services.
What is clear is the wider context. With ticket prices starting at €7 and several operators competing hard, the pressure to cut fares without cutting revenue is intense. Selling tickets without seats could be the next step in that race to the bottom.
Whether passengers will happily swap a seat for a saving remains to be seen.
