New "smart train" to connect Madrid, Barcelona in Spain

MADRID, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna on Tuesday presented a new project of high-speed "smart" train which will connect the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

The train, known as EVA, will start operating in 2019 with ticket prices between 20 and 25 percent lower than the current prices for the AVE high-speed rail link between Spain's two biggest cities.

The minister explained that the service will improve current rail connections and make "intensive" use of the latest available technology with the aim of maximum environmental sustainability.

One of the main target groups for EVA are those who currently prefer to drive rather than taking the train with ticket prices aimed at small groups, young people and families.

EVA will use the El Prat airport, around 15 kilometers from the city center, as its base in Barcelona, while the AVE will continue to use the Sants railway station close to the city center.

Speaking at the presentation in Barcelona, De la Serna highlighted that EVA will combine high-speed travel with digitalization and be integrated into other tourist services and travel networks, while offering working spaces for passengers. Enditem