Barcelona youth groups could soon benefit from a new travel card, after the Catalan Government set out plans for the T-Lleure, a scheme aimed at making public transport cheaper for educational leisure groups across Catalonia.
The card is designed for organisations such as caus, esplais and casals, and would cover travel on the Barcelona Metro, buses and Rodalies. The Govern says transport costs are a major burden when groups travel outside their local area, especially in rural parts of Catalonia.
The measure is part of a wider push to cut bureaucracy and make subsidy processes simpler through digital tools. The government of Salvador Illa has placed it within a priority line focused on reducing administrative red tape.
On Tuesday, 26 May, the Govern approved the Strategy for the Recognition of Associative, Voluntary, and Community-Based Educational Leisure in Catalonia 2026-2030. It was drawn up with the National Youth Council of Catalonia, municipal bodies and the relevant ministries.
The government says Catalonia has not previously had such a full roadmap for recognising the educational work of esplais, scout groups and youth centres. It also says these organisations have a history of more than 125 years, and that one in three young people in Catalonia has taken part in one of them.
The strategy also includes a new Centre for Resources for Youth Associations, known as CRAJ, to give technical support to federations and sector bodies. Its seven focus areas include work with public administrations, the sustainability of natural and public spaces, the Catalan language, funding, youth leadership and new knowledge.
A key principle is that no child or young person should be excluded from leisure activities because of economic, social, cultural or territorial reasons. For Barcelona readers, the T-Lleure card is the most immediate part of that plan, with the wider strategy aimed at making youth activities easier to access across Catalonia.
Read more on community and sport coverage on Barna.News.
Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
