The derailment of a train in the tunnel that connects the Atocha and Chamarín stations plunged the Spanish railway system into chaos this weekend. Renfe estimated that 13,700 people were affected by the delays and suspensions and, being of this magnitude, there have been many groups affected with notable stories behind them.
One of those stories is the one that has starred a group of 55 retirees from Valladolid who were on vacation in Benidorm when the derailment took place in Madrid. An incident that caused the cancellation of his return train to the Valladolid capital and which was going to be Ouigo, operated from Alicante.
With the tickets purchased, the retirees found themselves without options to return home and with the need to leave their rooms at the hotel where they were at 12 in the morning. To desperate situations, desperate measures: these retirees ended up riding in taxis for hours and at a cost of nothing more and nothing less than 14,000 euros.
As reported by the SER Chainand collecting testimonies from several of those affected, the hotel’s public relations got to work to help the group and organize the return trip. Had to find up 14 taxisand it was not an easy task: the drivers had to be willing to take on a very long journey, lasting more than 12 hours (more than six one way and as many returning). The cost of the taxis was about 1,000 euros, not counting what was paid in tolls.
The problem that this group of retirees faces is proceeding to claim these expenses, given the high number of people who have to agree to prepare a joint claim. And taking into account that Ouigo only promised to return the exact amount of the tickets.
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