Spaniards have long favored high-speed trains for travel, but two deadly collisions in nine months have shaken confidence in the system. A recent crash in central Spain killed 69 people, prompting strikes and demands for improved rail safety. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledges the need to restore trust in the railways. Spain's high-speed network, second only to China in miles of track, has transformed travel, making it the most common mode for business and leisure. However, investment in high-speed rail has come at the expense of slower commuter services, leading to complaints about worsening conditions and delays.