lars' transport worldSep 25
Welcome back to #BlankSpots ! Passing the Øresund Bridge always marks the end of my time in Sweden. Of course I have to take some 🌱 bullar with me. Before leaving Scandinavia, let's take a look back at the past few days with some pictures that I haven't posted yet.
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 25
Norrköping... #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 25
...and its much smaller counterpart Söderköping. Suddenly, the names make sense. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 25
🔊 "The owner of the cars G 18456, G 22746 and K 10557, please repark your vehicles. They are still not parked in an official car park!" #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 25
Evening time at Borås #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 26
Farvel Skandinavien! A cosy DSB IC3 takes us from 🇩🇰 Copenhagen to 🇩🇪 Hamburg. It's much more comfortable than the IC1 coaches that operate on most Copenhagen-Hamburg trains. For personal reasons, I'm stopping off at 🇨🇭 home on the way. This means the usual journey home: An ICE4 should take us from Hamburg to Zurich. It terminates at Basel Bad Bf with a delay of about 100 minutes. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 26
Enjoying a beautiful autumn day at 'home'. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 26
Before I am getting used to the comfort of home, it is time to move on. #BlankSpots follows the southern foot of the Jura with the IC5. There are nice views of the lakes and vineyards. Due to the Léman 2025 concept, I have to change trains at Renens for the first time in order to get to Geneva.
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 26
Finally, #BlankSpots goes international again. 'The Region' takes me from 🇨🇭 Geneva to 🇫🇷 Lyon. Lately, I have only seen AGC EMUs on this line. I am glad there are two train sets today, but the train is still almost full. This is my first time travelling in a newly refurbished set. I am pleased as it looks much less worn-out than before. Unfortunately, I couldn't take many pictures due to where I was sitting.
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 26
Since I have plenty of time, I head to the starting point of my next train: Lyon-Perrache station. This time, it's an old, grimy AGC. It will take me to Clermont-Ferrand in the Massif Central in two hours. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 27
#Clermont-Ferrand things #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 27
Who said that systematisation is important for providing consistent connections throughout the network and achieving high memorability? 😬 The interval times vary, too, so this timetable probably doesn't result in efficient diagrams. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 27
No one can claim that the pedestrians were forgotten! They even have the right of way. 👌#BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 27
#Bahnzeit in Clermont-Ferrand #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 28
The only train I'm taking today is this TER. It runs once a day and connects Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse in six hours. There are other TER on all sections, but there is only one additional daily connection (involving two changes). As always with such sparsely served lines, I'm surprised by the number of passengers who have adapted their schedules to the train's departure time. It's a peaceful journey straight through the ⛰️ Massif Central, with stunning views. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 28
I can't resist tooting these impressions of #Toulouse. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
#BlankSpots continues with two Régiolis Intercités sets taking me from Toulouse to Bayonne. I'm happy with my allocated first class seat, otherwise I am not a big fan of these trains. I can stretch my legs and have plenty of space to enjoy the view of the Pyrenees. Seat reservations cost 3.60 € if booked via #Interrail, but you don’t have to buy one here as there are some unreserved seats. The announcement system isn't working, but we still manage to arrive at the terminus orderly and safely. 😬
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
I have to wait about 45 minutes for my next TER in Bayonne. It takes me to Hendaye. I can tell that I have reached the Basque Country from some of the signs. For the first time in weeks, I can see the Atlantic again. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
Leaving Hendaye station and entering Hendaia station. Yes, that's right — it's time for the #Euskotren! These metro-style trains tend to get crowded around Donostia. If you're a traveller with a backpack or even a large suitcase, you might feel out of place. As there are no passenger trains on the parallel Adif tracks, Euskotren, which runs every 30 minutes, is the better 'option'. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
The #Euskotren line gets more rural and picturesque west of Donostia / San Sebastián. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
There is disruption to the train journey at Aia-Orio due to maintenance work. Although the replacement buses are slower than the #Euskotren, the schedule remains unchanged. To avoid waiting times when travelling further, a creative solution has been found: Three westbound buses run further than the disrupted 5 km section with destinations Zarautz, Zumaia or Eibar (40 km). Eastbound buses terminate at Aia-Orio. Additional trains, running 15 mins later than usual, collect passengers. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldSep 30
Egun on Zarautzetik #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 2
Another #Euskotren train takes me further towards west from Zarautz to Bilbao. It's a beautiful train journey on this Sunday morning. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 2
Hurrengo Geltokia: Zazpikaleak-Bilbao. Euskotren trains travelling from Donostia/San Sebastián are fully integrated into the metro system. Along with other trains in the Bilbao area, they provide a frequent service. I need to get off at Bilbao's old town. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 2
#Bilbao has many different rail systems, including this tiny tram line. It runs on a single track near the old town. I travelled the entire line two years ago, so now it's time to move on and discover some #BlankSpots!
Show threadlars' transport world
I am heading to Bilbao-La Concordia station. This is a terminus station of the Renfe FEVE metre-gauge railway lines. After showing my #Interrail Pass at the ticket office, the gate magically opens when I approach it. #BlankSpots
Oct 3 at 10:10pmMastodon for Android
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
After five years of considering the possibility of exploring the metre-gauge system in northern Spain, I am finally on my first Renfe FEVE train — probably the most mind-blowing one! The quirky Bilbao–León train (Ferrocaril de la Robla) is classified as Media Distancia and only runs once a day, connecting the Bilbao and León Cercanías systems! I am the only passenger travelling the entire route today. For a long time, there are no more than three passengers on the train. (1/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
The Bilbao-León line leaves Bilbao to the west and follows a valley. At Balmaseda, it ascends the southern mountain flank, providing stunning views of the valley below. (2/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
After the train from Bilbao to León reaches a high plateau, the beautiful Embalse del Ebro lake comes into view. The line then passes through more open valleys. (3/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
As the Bilbao-León train reaches the southern foot of the Cantabrian Mountains at sunset, the landscape is bathed in golden light. The green landscape has given way to a drier one. The line offers beautiful views, but the windows offer less beautiful ones. (4/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
Although the train journey from Bilbao to León takes eight hours, don't get too comfortable. Be prepared: the direct Media Distancia connection is just a disguise. I had to change trains at Balmaseda (the end of the electrified section), Cistierna (where I changed from a diesel MD to a diesel Cercanías) and León Universidad (where I changed to a replacement bus to León city centre). The conductors made an effort to inform me, the only tourist, about the changes in person. (5/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
FEVE Patschifig? 🤭 (6/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 3
Arriving at León FEVE by replacement bus at 22:22. ¡Buenas noches! (7/7) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
#BlankSpots continues blow by blow. I didn't get enough sleep, but a short walk to León's main station woke me up. This will be my first time boarding an Iberian gauge train on this trip.
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
There it is: the only train, if I am not mistaken, that goes over the Pajares Pass. All the other trains, except for the Valladolid-Gijón Regional, use the base tunnel, which opened in 2023. Why am I taking the slower train to Oviedo instead of the faster ones? Well, just look at the pictures! #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
There is confusion at Oviedo FEVE station: According to the display on platform 1, the next train is the 14:44 to Santander. However, the 14:18 train to Ferrol is also scheduled to arrive on platform 1. However, it arrives seven minutes late with an incorrect destination indicator. There are almost too many passengers for the railcar and I don't have time for a picture. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
It's time for the FEVE again. Although my tiredness curbs my excitement, the FEVE line between Oviedo and Ferrol is beautiful and quirky. You see less of the sea than you might expect in the Asturias section, but Galicia makes up for this with stunning scenery. There are about eight passengers sitting in the railcar. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
Surprisingly, I have to change trains at Ribadeo. I don't know why, but at least I have the opportunity to take a mediocre photo of the train. Unfortunately, the windows on the new train are very dirty. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
Renfe FEVE class 529 railcar on stage 😊 #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
The following morning, I travel further west on the FEVE line. Ortigueira is the terminus for the Ferrol Cercanías service, but the next train is an MD service from Ribadeo. Although it's scheduled to depart from platform 7, the station master informs the five passengers that the train to Ferrol is actually arriving on platform 5. It would have been the perfect opportunity to use the new-looking platform displays, but instead they display the Renfe logo all day long. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
The Media Distancia railcar finally arrives, and it's time to board my last FEVE train. The west section of the line to Ferrol runs through a forest, so the view is mostly trees. There's no time to take a photo when I arrive, as the conductor opens the gate for me as an Interrail pass holder. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 6
Ferrol is the terminus for both the FEVE and Iberian-gauge networks. Unfortunately, the connections are not well coordinated, but at least I have time to buy two 🌱 empanadas.
Finally, the Media Distancia arrives. This is my first time travelling on a Renfe Class 594 DMU. Does it look familiar to my Scandinavian friends? Yes, it's the Spanish version of the IC3, but without the rubber nose. However, as so often, I prefer the original. Oh, and after reversing, the light has gone out. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 6
Beautiful bays are passing by on the train from Ferrol to A Coruña when the ticket control interrupts me. Apparently, I should have collected a free ticket for this Media Distancia with open seating. I ask the conductor which trains this applies to, as the #Interrail guide withholds this 'free ticket thing'. However, I don't receive a useful answer. I have boarded other Renfe trains with open seating before without any problems. Feeling somewhat puzzled, I finally eat my empanadas. #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 6
In A Coruña, many passengers head to other trains without passing through any controls. My train leaves in an hour, as the first one has sold out. I sit down on one of the many benches. A Renfe employee asks to see my ticket. Looking angry, she waves her index finger at me and shouts something I don't understand. A colleague joins her and calmly explains that I have to leave and re-enter the station because the transfer time is 'too long'. (1/3) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 6
I know access controls at 🇪🇦 platforms. However, there are many stations where you can move freely between platforms, because there are gates at the station entrance, or there is no access control. I didn't realise that for A Coruña, access is controlled in the building, and while you can roam freely between platforms, you're not supposed to wait for your connection. As a non-Spaniard, I couldn't imagine having to re-enter the entire station. (2/3) #BlankSpots
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 6
I'm doing what I was told, but it's hard not to feel irritated. While travelling, I'm aware that things work differently. I don't want to appear ignorant. I always try to obey the rules, even the silly ones. In return, I expect to not be treated rudely because of regulations that aren't obvious to passengers. At other stations, waiting for a Media Distancia on the platform is normal. Don't make a passenger feel like they're a threat. 😅 (3/3) #BlankSpots
Show threadrail 🦊Oct 6
@larstransportworld hey I've also been there and I think sat in the exact spot lmao
Show threadCycling on RailsOct 6

@larstransportworld I think the problem in A Coruña is that there is no clear separation between long-distance high-speed services (that require luggage scans) and shorter distance services (that don't): both use the same platforms (especially with the current construction works?).

So when checking in from the station hall, staff will either just check the media distancia ticket, or dispatch to the luggage scanner. This only works if platforms are (relatively) clear when an AVE arrives.

1/

Show threadCycling on RailsOct 6

@larstransportworld This is all security theater of course, the medium distance trains to Vigo are somewhat high-speed too (currently 200 km/h, line designed up to 250 km/h), and somehow the authorities drew a line that luggage scans are too much hassle for short/medium distance trips. Which is sensible, but scans are also too much hassle for long-distance trips. 🙃

2/2

Show threadTor LillqvistOct 4
@larstransportworld Wow, that's a tiny railcar, with just one door (on each side) for passengers!
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
@tml Indeed! The railcar has 28 seats; a rigid bus can keep up with that in terms of capacity. It was big enough most of the time, though. It was only on the section between Oviedo and Avilés, where this Media Distancia squeezed in between the usual two-coach Cercanías, that it was crowded.
Show threadLionelBOct 4

@larstransportworld

Ooh. Nice.

Show threadAaron Brick — אהרן בריקOct 4
@larstransportworld Is it a gauge change at the community boundary? I know there is a complicated device outside of Ourense to account for one.
Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
@aarbrk It was an unplanned change, so I guess it had to be some kind of operational reasons.
Show threadLionelBOct 4

@larstransportworld

There are times when I wish I had a damp sponge with me.

Show threadSarahOct 4
@larstransportworld
Thank you for sharing! We took a FEVE two years ago from El Ferrol to Avilés, and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was a very special trip, but hard to research all the details in advance. Talked a while with the conductor, it was very interesting to hear about the differences between FEVE and RENFE
Show threadLionelBOct 4

@larstransportworld

You are not far away 👀

Show threadLuOct 4
@larstransportworld
Welcome to (S)pain
Show threadTor LillqvistOct 4

@larstransportworld Oh! So when somebody posted here some time ago that they took a train on the line just in time before all trains would move to the base tunnel that was incorrect!? Yay. That is then one reason to visit Spain despite the pain in using Interrail there.

Is it this train?

Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
@tml Yes, that's right — this is the regional train. I am not very deep in the Renfe game, but according to the German Wikipedia article, the Pajares line was supposed to close, but it won't at the moment. As the base tunnel has a different voltage, some trains could not run between Asturias and the rest of the Iberian-gauge network. I do not know, however, if the article is up to date.
👉 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahnstrecke_Le%C3%B3n%E2%80%93Gij%C3%B3n
Bahnstrecke León–Gijón – Wikipedia

Show threadTor LillqvistOct 4
@larstransportworld Now I just need to check what accommodations exist in towns with stations on that line.
Show threadabovearthOct 4

@larstransportworld
*Blinks*
Lars is now at the other side of europe.

It feels like only yesterday you were discovering the sights of Finland!

Show threadlars' transport worldOct 4
@abovearth Yes, it almost went too fast for myself 😅