Spain’s national rail operator, Renfe, has fired two ticket clerks at Barcelona’s bustling Sants station following an internal investigation into a fraudulent ticket scheme. Investigators found the employees systematically misused a special override code to issue free train tickets for themselves and their families, exploiting a system designed to assist passengers in exceptional circumstances.
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The investigation, internally dubbed “the free ticket plot,” has cast a shadow over the operator at a time when its services, particularly the Rodalies de Catalunya commuter lines, are under intense scrutiny.
A System Built on Trust
At the heart of the scheme was a special fare code known as “sin percepción” (without charge). This function serves strictly as a customer service tool for resolving unusual incidents, such as when a high-speed or long-distance passenger with a non-refundable ticket faces a disruption attributable to Renfe or force majeure, and needs to be rebooked on an alternative service.
El Confidencial first reported, with details from La Vanguardia, that using this code requires express authorisation from a supervisor. Additionally, it must be meticulously recorded in highly regulated internal logs. The employees under investigation allegedly bypassed these protocols entirely.
The ‘Free Ticket Plot’ Unravels
Investigators uncovered the clerks’ sophisticated method. They would reportedly issue a legitimate, low-value ticket, such as for a short Barcelona-Girona trip, and then use the override code to exchange it for a high-value journey to destinations like Madrid, Valencia, or even cities in southern France. This method concealed the fraudulent transaction within what appeared to be a standard ticket change.
Investigators detected up to 70 fraudulent ticket issues, most valued at over €100 each. Since the tickets were free, employees and their families frequently chose premium or ‘confort’ class seats. This granted them access to the most comfortable seating and exclusive club lounges at the station.
The ticketing system misuse highlights an ongoing challenge across Barcelona’s transport network. This occurs even as other system parts are modernised, such as the Barcelona Metro’s plan to replace all its ticket machines by 2028.
Allegations of Unequal Treatment
An internal probe, conducted by independent external professionals, initially targeted six employees. While two were dismissed, four others investigated reportedly avoided disciplinary action. This has led to accusations of an “internal amnesty” and caused significant discontent among staff aware of the investigation’s details.
Adding to the controversy, one employee investigated but not dismissed is the son of Lucas Calzado, Renfe’s Director General of Organisation and Talent, effectively their human resources director. He had been working at the Sants ticket office for approximately 18 months, starting shortly after his father’s appointment to the senior management role.
Renfe Responds Amidst Broader Challenges
When questioned, Renfe sources stated they “do not comment on information affecting internal procedures, employee privacy, or files subject to confidentiality.” However, the company insisted “no internal investigation has been ordered to be stopped” regarding the director’s son.
“No unequal treatment exists, nor are decisions conditioned by factors unrelated to the facts or applicable regulations. Disciplinary files and internal reviews are subject to professional and legal criteria,” a company source affirmed.
The dismissals come at a difficult time for Renfe, currently navigating several major crises. The company is still dealing with fallout from the Adamuz train accident and the recent tragic death of a trainee driver in Gelida. Both incidents have intensified public and political pressure on Renfe’s operations. This internal integrity issue adds another layer of complexity for the company, which is also managing major infrastructure projects like the revamp of Spain’s oldest train station in Cornellà.
