Barcelona Metro L2 is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of service on the city’s purple line. The initial stretch, connecting Paral·lel to Sagrada Família, opened in September 1995, with Universitat station added two months later.
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Barcelona Metro L2: A Pioneer in Accessibility
The first section of the L2 linked Paral·lel, connecting with the L3, to Sant Antoni, Universitat, Passeig de Gràcia, Tetuan, Monumental.Sagrada Família. According to El Periódico, a regular passenger, Eva Vizcaíno, remembers the line’s opening being welcomed as a quick and comfortable way to cross Barcelona.
Barcelona Metro L2: Three Decades of Service
Since its opening, the Barcelona Metro L2 has expanded to 18 stations spanning 12.8 kilometres. In 1997, it extended from Sagrada Família to La Pau, adding five more stops. However, then, in 2002, the La Pau-Pep Ventura section, previously part of L4, was incorporated.
Modern Features and Improved Working Conditions
Under the slogan “Més estacions. Més servei. However, més moderna” (More stations. Meanwhile, more service. More modern), the L2 was the first line to incorporate facilities for people with reduced mobility and visual impairments. Lifts and escalators connect platforms to the surface. Moreover, it included safety systems. It also featured automatic train operation (ATP-ATO), allowing for automated train driving, although staff still manage door operation.
The Barcelona Metro L2 also pioneered the use of ‘worm’ trains, featuring continuous walkways between carriages. These improved passenger flow. They also modernised ticket sales, transitioning from cardboard tickets to magnetic tickets.
A Valued Service for Barcelona Residents
Passengers and staff generally have a positive view of the L2. Most find the process short, comfortable, quick, and less crowded than other lines. Mariano Ruíz, a metro user for over 50 years, values the punctuality, cleanliness, and efficiency. Leonor Mendiola uses the metro ‘for everything’, and it allows her to travel across Barcelona easily. Pedro Jiménez notes the line’s connectivity with L3, L4, L5, and other transport options.
The project to connect Paral·lel and Sagrada Família began in 1969, during the Franco era. It was the first time a tunnel boring machine was used to construct a metro tunnel in the city. Construction faced technical challenges due to water and soil conditions. However, work was halted several times. Meanwhile, this was first due to encountering a stone block from Barcelona’s old city walls. Additionally, second, in 1973, it stopped due to a lack of funding. In fact, the project was revived in 1986, when Barcelona was chosen to host the 1992 Olympic Games.
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