Málaga Help Point: Rail Accessibility & EU-Rail JU Innovation

Accessibility Milestone: New Help Point Launched at Málaga María Zambrano Station

In a significant stride towards enhancing inclusivity in rail travel, Adif (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias), Renfe (Spanish National Rail Operator), and Ineco (Spanish engineering and consultancy firm) have unveiled an innovative accessible help point at Málaga María Zambrano station. This initiative, implemented on June 23, 2025, is a key component of the European Rail Joint Undertaking’s (EU-Rail JU) MOTIONAL project. The new help point is designed to provide enhanced assistance to passengers with disabilities. The technology utilizes touch screen and audio support alongside accessible buttons, allowing simultaneous use by up to four individuals. This article explores this development and its broader implications for rail accessibility and modernization across Europe.

Enhancing Passenger Accessibility: The New Help Point

The newly installed help point at Málaga María Zambrano station represents a significant advancement in railway accessibility. Adhering to universal accessibility standards, the device boasts an ergonomic design, ensuring it is easily identifiable and user-friendly within the bustling environment of a train station. Key features include touchscreen and audio support, complemented by accessible buttons for visual and audio interaction. Furthermore, the help point is integrated with a mobile guidance app that enhances the user experience. This app provides features such as Navilens code guidance, an accessible route map display, and ticket scanning capabilities, assisting passengers with navigation and information access. The device supports up to four users simultaneously and will undergo validation testing from July 15th to 17th to ensure its efficacy.

MOTIONAL Project and European Union Support

The accessible help point is a critical part of the MOTIONAL project, an initiative under the EU-Rail JU, aimed at leveraging advanced technology to improve accessibility in rail transport. This project received backing from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program. The testing phase for the help point will cover diverse functionalities, encompassing real-time train schedule access, ticket scanning for platform identification, and guidance to accessible routes via multiple methods, including the app, assistance robots, NaviLens, and visual maps. The project also includes validation of the Gobos system – a light projection system aiding passengers with reduced mobility in locating train accessible doors. This system is being validated by stakeholders including people with disabilities, railway staff, and technical experts, with its potential for scalability under review.

Collaboration and Funding: A Pan-European Initiative

The collaborative spirit underpinning this project extends beyond Málaga. Adif/Adif Alta Velocidad, Renfe Operadora, Cedex, and Ineco are involved in six distinct projects within the EU-Rail JU framework. This broader initiative, valued at €568.4 million ($654.6 million), has received €232.8 million in co-financing from the EU-Rail JU. This forms part of a ten-year plan designed to unify the European railway system. In September 2022, the ERJU allocated grants to these six projects, with Adif/Adif Alta Velocidad as the lead entity. These projects encompass a wide range of areas, including network management, digital train operation, asset management, environmental system development, freight service evolution, and regional railway line revitalization. Furthermore, in January, Adif Alta Velocidad secured a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank to support Spain’s railway infrastructure modernization, representing a total project investment of over €830 million. These investments illustrate a commitment to comprehensive railway upgrades across the region.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the accessible help point at Málaga María Zambrano station represents a tangible step towards creating a more inclusive and user-friendly rail network. The integration of advanced technologies, such as the mobile guidance app, Navilens codes, and accessible route maps, highlights the potential of digital solutions to enhance the travel experience for passengers with disabilities. This innovation is not only a technological advancement but a commitment to the principles of universal accessibility. The MOTIONAL project, supported by the EU-Rail JU and Horizon Europe, serves as a blueprint for other railway systems across Europe and beyond. These efforts, combined with the development of related technology like the Gobos system, are setting a new standard for accessibility, reflecting a shift towards smarter and more inclusive railway infrastructure. Moving forward, the scalability of these technologies will be crucial to ensure that accessibility is a cornerstone of modern rail travel.

Company Summary

Adif (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias): Adif is the Spanish railway infrastructure administrator responsible for the construction and maintenance of Spain’s rail network. They play a critical role in ensuring that infrastructure meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and accessibility, facilitating seamless rail operations.
Renfe (Spanish National Rail Operator): Renfe is the primary operator of passenger and freight rail services in Spain. Committed to service and customer experience, Renfe is a major player in rail transport innovation, continually enhancing its offerings.
Ineco (Spanish engineering and consultancy firm): Ineco is a global firm providing engineering, consulting, and advisory services to the rail sector. Their expertise spans planning, design, construction, and operation. Ineco’s consulting helps to modernize and improve railway infrastructure worldwide.