Sergio Barcena, Director of Operations Planning and Maintenance at OUIGO España, shares his insight into delivering sustainable high-speed rail services that don’t require passengers to choose between affordability and quality.

Can you give an overview of your role at OUIGO España; what are you responsible for?

OUIGO España is a high-speed railway operator offering services between Madrid and some of the main cities in Spain (Barcelona, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Valencia, Albacete and Alicante). I am Director of Operations Planning and Maintenance with responsibility for three key missions of OUIGO España’s operations; planning the operations resources (train paths, trainsets, drivers and on-board crew) associated with the transport plan agreed with the commercial team; daily management of operations to secure on time and quality train services; and reviewing operations performance to adapt organisation, processes and contracts to further enhance performance and efficiency.