A critical perspective
The Foundation for Applied Economics Studies (Fedea) has issued a strong opinion on the design of transport in Spain. According to this organization, the design of transport systems is based more on political calculations than on economic needs. In addition, Fedea defends the implementation of payment tolls for the use of motorways as a solution to improve the efficiency and financing of transport.
A critical view on high speed
According to Fedea’s executive director, Ángel de la Fuente, high speed is a luxury that can hardly be afforded. In a session on transport, de la Fuente stated that if a previous efficiency study had been carried out, the only high-speed line that would make sense would be the Madrid-Barcelona line. This statement calls into question the economic viability of the other high-speed lines in Spain.
Proposals to improve the transport system
Fedea has proposed several measures to improve the transport system in Spain. One of the proposals is the establishment of payment tolls for the use of roads, based on the principle of ‘who pollutes pays’. These tolls should reflect the damage caused to the roads by the different types of vehicles. In addition, Fedea suggests the establishment of tolls for road congestion at specific times and for entry into large urban centres, using the London toll system as an example.
On the other hand, Fedea criticizes the waiver of the payment for the use of the roads, which was foreseen in the Recovery Plan and in the draft of the sustainable mobility law. According to the organization, this resignation does not make sense and should be reconsidered.
A critical view on infrastructure policy
Fedea considers that the infrastructure policy in Spain has important deficiencies. According to the organization, this policy is based more on political calculations than on a precise analysis of economic and social costs and benefits. In addition, Fedea criticizes the watertight institutional design and the lack of coherence in infrastructure investment decisions. To solve these problems, Fedea proposes the creation of an independent government agency that analyzes infrastructure projects objectively and based on criteria of economic and social profitability.
An overview of the high-speed network
Fedea points out that the high-speed rail network in Spain doubles the service with the airport network, covering twice the same need. The organization considers that this duplication is not efficient and proposes a joint planner for transport infrastructure, with the aim of improving the coherence and efficiency of the system.
Proposal for reform of the administrative apparatus
Finally, Fedea proposes a reform of the administrative apparatus to improve decision-making regarding transport infrastructure. The organization suggests that the Ministry of Transport stop being structured in general modal directions (airports, railway, road) and proposes a more integrated and coherent model for decision-making in the field of transport.