Spain takes train and ditches plane

THE number of Spaniards travelling by train has surged 22% over the past 12 months.

Around 1.9 million people opted to travel intercity by rail in January, while the number taking domestic flights fell 7.3% to 1.8 million.

The National Statistics Institute attributed it to the extension of the AVE high speed  train connections, and reduced ticket prices on state rail company Renfe.