The ticket price for the local train services (Cercanias) is set to rise by 6% at the beginning of 2010, an increase above the CPI.
The price increase has been approved by the National Land Transport Council, an advisory committee made up of administrators and representatives of consumer groups. It still has to be approved by the Government but this is usually a formality.
The increase has been justified on the grounds that RENFE will not receive its usual €360 million State financing next year and needs to meet operating costs.
Around 500 million passengers use the local train services each year.