Iryo rules out entering Cercanías and foresees a 15% growth in travelers in 2024

This week, the Iryo railway company completed its first year operating in Spain with an accumulated number of passengers of up to five million in a total of 16,000 services provided. In addition, it has registered a total occupancy rate of 66% on its trains and up to 70% on its services to Andalusia.

The CEO and general director of Iryo, Simone Gorini, pointed out in a press conference reported by Europa Press that the firm’s current market share is 24%, with 30% of the total frequencies in Spain.

Gorini has also ruled out that the company is currently thinking about entering into the liberalization of public services, such as Cercanías, whose entry into competition will begin in 2026.

Traveler growth forecasts

Regarding the forecasts, Iryo expects to achieve 15% growth next year compared to 2023 figures, with the aim of reaching profitability soon, although depending on the negotiations with Adif to lower fees.

In total, its 20 ‘Red Arrow’ trains have traveled more than 9 million kilometers throughout the 11 destinations in which it operates, with a workforce of 533 people.

Gorini has confirmed Iryo’s interest in operating on the new routes that are opening in the country, although he has not pointed to any in particular, despite the fact that in recent years important high-speed lines have been opened such as Galicia or the which will premiere next week in Asturias. If it enters new lines, the company would have to undertake new purchases of trains.

Interest for operating on international routes

The CEO has also shown interest in operating on international routes, such as between Paris and Barcelona, ​​​​as Renfe will soon do, although in this case it is testing a collaboration with its main shareholder, the Italian Pipeline Operator Trenitalia, which Already Operates In France.

He has also pointed out that all operators, including Iryo, continue to work with the public manager of the railway infrastructure to lower the price of charges, which Gorini believes is high in Spain, compared for example to countries like Italy.

Iryo has also entered into different commercial agreements in recent months with airlines such as Air Europa to allow the purchase of combined train and plane trips in a single ticket, and the manager has confirmed that he hopes to continue operating with other airlines.