Ouigo's high-speed double-decker train spotted during track tests ahead of launch

In an exciting glimpse of what's to come, an eagle-eyed photographer has captured images of one of Ouigo's high-speed double-decker trains in action during track tests on the Malaga-Córdoba route. Ouigo, a subsidiary of the French public company SNCF, is gearing up for its much-anticipated launch between the Costa del Sol and Madrid next year, with the promise of introducing competitive "low-cost" fares to challenge existing operators.

The striking images were captured by young Malaga photographer José Manuel Guerrero, known as @jmphotosss on Instagram, who managed to snap the train both stationary at the Antequera-Santa Ana station and in full motion.

Sources confirm that the train, adorned with the distinctive colours and branding of Ouigo, was conducting track tests, including evaluations of communication and safety systems. This phase of testing is anticipated to span approximately ten weeks and will involve compatibility assessments with the signalling infrastructure of Spain's oldest high-speed rail line, which connects Malaga, Cordoba, Seville, and Madrid.

Ouigo's much-anticipated debut in Spain's railway market is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, with the possibility of an earlier launch.

Ouigo's entry into the Spanish rail market marks the third operator to challenge Renfe. Earlier this year, on June 1st, the Avlo trains started service between Madrid and Malaga, Renfe's low-cost subsidiary, significantly reducing fares without increasing daily frequencies.

In March, Iryo introduced its distinctive Frecciarrosa (red arrow) 1000 trains, becoming the first private operator to offer train services between Malaga and Madrid.

Ouigo, often described as a 'low-cost' operator, aims to offer ticket prices starting from just nine euros, along with the largest capacity trains in the Spanish market - Alstom's Euroduplex, boasting 509 seats.

As a result, industry experts anticipate a notable reduction in fares for travellers journeying between Malaga and Madrid, mirroring the trend observed in cities where Ouigo already operates, such as Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Alicante. Passengers can look forward to more affordable and accessible high-speed train options in the near future.