- At the press conference held in Altsasu/Alsasua by the platforms Alde Tren Nafarroa, Araba Alde Tren and Goierriko AHTrik Ez have called for the closure of projects for the construction of new railway infrastructures for the exclusive use of fast trains, the renewal of existing railway infrastructures and increased frequency of trains. They have announced a demonstration in Altsasu on 20 April and a few days will be held in February.
A year and a half ago three engineers presented the alternative to the social train they had worked on and now call for it to be carried out. On the one hand, it meets the demands of the people and councils concerned, with a cost less than EUR 2 billion than that proposed by the Ministry of Transport.
“It raises – they explain – a great advantage, which can be used for mixed goods and people traffic. It would also include high-speed long distance service and local and regional trains covering all demand with a single railway platform.”
According to the members of the platforms, the travel times for the fast trains linking Burgos with Vitoria and Gasteiz with Pamplona will increase only ten and eight minutes respectively. In return, “all stations and stops throughout the journey would be improved and recovered, with a much smaller environmental impact.”
This alternative emerged from the agreements reached between these popular platforms and all the unions of the Spanish public companies Adif and Renfe, responsible for the railways. The underground railways in Altsasu/Alsasua and Salvatierra, among others, provide for better urban integration.
It is specified that the demand for the cessation of the works of the current TAV is stronger than ever when the French State has decided not to build new high-speed rail infrastructures between Hendaia and Bordeaux. Furthermore, “the mayors of Irún, Baiona and Bordeaux have also proposed to improve the current rail route”.
Experience against the TAV project between Turin and Lyon
In addition to the demonstration on 20 April, a few days will be held by the Public and Social Train from 22 to 25 February in different towns of Sakana, Llanada Alavesa and Goierri. Among others, members of the movement against the Italian TAV will be heard. It is explained that for over 30 years they have faced the TAV line between Lyon and Turin and have managed to stop construction in the Susa valley, including a 56-kilometre tunnel under the Alps.
“We will also be able to listen live to the fight against Iparralde’s TAV that managed to stop the construction of the Hendaia-Bordeaux line. In addition to the conferences of the days, there will be theatre, popular meals and some concert, to end with a mountain march in Araba, Navarra and Gipuzkoa to Mount Arbarrain-Irumuga”, they said at the press conference.
Also, on 19 January, concentrations will be held at several train stations in these areas between 18:30 and 19:30 to stop the surveys being carried out and “demand respect for the word of the citizens”.