Basque Country Commits €582M for Rail & Mobility Upgrades

The Basque Country is set to significantly bolster its rail network and sustainable mobility infrastructure with a substantial budget allocated under its new Sustainable Mobility Plan. The plan earmarks nearly EUR 582 million for rail services, infrastructure construction, and modernization, representing the largest portion of the overall investment. The comprehensive decade-long strategy, set to commence in 2026, outlines over a hundred actions aimed at transforming public transport and encouraging modal shift.

The Basque Country’s ambitious Sustainable Mobility Plan, commencing in 2026, is designed to usher in a new era of public transportation, with a significant portion of its budgetary focus directed towards enhancing and modernizing its rail network. The plan’s strategic objectives are multifaceted, aiming to promote the use of trains and trams, digitize operations for increased safety, and improve overall accessibility to encourage greater passenger uptake.

Strategic Impact and Key Objectives

Central to the plan’s vision is the promotion of train and tram transport as primary public transit modes. Euskotren, the regional government’s public transport operator, is slated to receive EUR 130 million in 2026 to support its services. Furthermore, the recently devolved suburban rail service, operated by Renfe, has been allocated EUR 92.8 million, with EUR 3.4 million specifically designated for the development of the Llanada Alavesa service. This dedicated funding underscores a commitment to expanding and improving regional connectivity, recognizing rail’s pivotal role in sustainable urban and inter-urban mobility.

The plan also prioritizes fare integration into a unified model designed to offer greater discounts to frequent public transport users, with a particular emphasis on young people. This initiative is supported by a EUR 300,000 budget. A critical preparatory step for this fare integration is the completion by the end of 2025 of interoperability for all Bat, Barik, and Mugi cards across all public transport services within the Basque Country. This move is expected to streamline passenger journeys and enhance the attractiveness of public transportation.

Operational Enhancements and Future-Proofing

Investing in the modernization of its fleet is another cornerstone of the strategy. Euskotren has been allocated EUR 44.4 million for the purchase and upgrading of trams and trains. This investment is strategically aligned with future network expansions, including the development of Line 5 of the Bilbao metro and the tram extension to the Zabalgana district in Vitoria-Gasteiz, signaling a forward-looking approach to capacity planning and service enhancement.

Digitization and enhanced transport safety are also paramount. In 2026, work will commence on the installation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in Gipuzkoa, starting with lines managed by ETS (Euskal Trenbide Sarea) and trains operated by Euskotren. This standardization of signaling and traffic control is a crucial step towards seamless European rail operations and improved safety across the entire Basque Country network.

Recognizing the importance of accessibility in attracting passengers, the plan dedicates EUR 19.5 million to transport planning, with EUR 9.1 million earmarked for subsidies. A significant aspect of this is the permanent implementation from 2026 of free public transport for children under 12, a measure already introduced this year. The plan also allocates EUR 259.5 million for infrastructure development and maintenance through ETS, ensuring the creation of a developed, safe, and high-capacity rail network for the future.