Revamped eco-friendly trains for Dénia-Benidorm line
Hybrid diesel-electric convoys to be used once major repairs conclude
POLLUTION-FREE trains will ferry commuters and tourists between Dénia and Benidorm once the Marina line is finally open again after years of major repairs.
Instead of the old, graffiticovered coaches, hybrid dieselelectric convoys – six in total – will cover what is known as Line 9 of the Alicante-Marina Regional Train or, confusingly, the TRAM.
A company in Albuixech (L'Horta Nord, Valencia province) was awarded the job of building the 'green' trains for a cool €43.3 million, and regional transport minister María José Salvador took a ride on the first one to be finished.
She did not travel far, only around a circuit in the factory – like a giant train-set – which gave her time to look round a second convoy in the Stadler Rail Valencia workshop that will soon be finished.
Sra Salvador assures they are very modern, fast and comfortable.
The stretch of the line from Calpe to the terminus in Dénia has been shut for over two years, with commuters relying on a bus replacement service.
Regional transport author- ities will have invested over €120m in renovating, restoring and modernising the track, stations and trains by the time it is open again.
The TRAM was built over a century ago, and the previous right-wing regional government did not spend a single euro on its maintenance in 20 years.
Before it shut for repairs, the line was in such a poor state that safety was compromised and trains had to slow to 30 kilometres per hour in places.