Users of the Cercanias – urban trains – in Málaga have had to suffer five consecutive days of cancellations due to a shortage of drivers, some taking their annual leave and others being out sick.
On the C-2 line, Málaga to Álora, RENFE have been arranging alternative bus transport. On the busy C-1 ine, Málaga to Fuengirola, this has not been possible and travellers have just had to wait for the next train, hoping that it is not too full to get on. Delays have been up to forty minutes.
Most of the cancellations have not been announced in advance, passengers having to take pot luck as to whether or not their train will arrive. Thirty-nine trains have so far been cancelled.
The Cercanias are expected to start to get back to normal on Monday, although RENFE and ADIF unions have called a 46-hour strike for July 31st and August 1st, the busiest time of the year on the trains.