Significant changes to three key bus lines serving Esplugues de Llobregat came into effect this week. These modifications directly respond to the ongoing urban expansion in the Montesa neighbourhood. The adjustments, affecting two daytime services (L20, L85) and one nighttime route (N15), integrate public transport into the area’s new road network and improve connections for residents.

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The Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), the public body managing transport in the region, implemented these adjustments. They follow the creation of new roads as part of the Montesa Strategic Residential Area (ARE) development, a major housing project transforming this part of the municipality.

L20: New Connections and a More Logical Route

The L20 line, which connects Esplugues with Sant Joan Despí, Cornellà, L’Hospitalet, and El Prat, has undergone the most substantial rerouting. In the Gall and Centre neighbourhoods, its path along Carrer Àngel Guimerà and Avinguda Isidre Martí is now symmetrical. Previously, buses used this route only when heading towards Cornellà; now they will operate in both directions.

More significantly, the L20 service now ventures directly into the newly developed Montesa area. Instead of only serving Avinguda Cornellà, the route now uses Carrer Bruc and Carrer Sant Gabriel in one direction, and Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret and Carrer Francesc Layret in the other. This change brings a major benefit for commuters: the route now provides a direct link to the Can Boixeres station on Metro Line 5, the main Rodalies de Catalunya station in L’Hospitalet, and the Rambla Just Oliveras station on Metro Line 1.

Upgrades for L85 and Night Service N15

The L85 (L’Hospitalet to Gavà) and the N15 Nitbus service (Barcelona to Sant Joan Despí) have also seen their routes modified. Both now travel through the Montesa area via a new link road and Avinguda Electricitat, altering their trajectory between the Sant Ildefons neighbourhood in Cornellà and the Sanfeliu district of L’Hospitalet.

In addition to the rerouting, the L85 service now benefits from a welcome frequency boost. According to details reported by El Periódico, buses on weekdays will now run every 15 minutes, a five-minute reduction from the previous 20-minute wait. On Saturdays and public holidays, the frequency will be every 30 minutes.

‘Addressing Residents’ Demands’

Eduard Sanz, the Mayor of Esplugues, highlighted the new arrangements as a proactive measure to improve public services. In a statement, he emphasised that the changes reflect the needs of the community and the logic of the area’s development.

“The modifications take into account the demands of residents,” Sanz stated. He described the new L20 itinerary as “more efficient and logical, bringing public transport to a transforming area of Montesa before the population arrives, and addressing a demand from the municipality to connect with Rodalies and Metro Line 1.”

This proactive approach ensures that transport infrastructure is in place to serve new residents as they move into the developing neighbourhood, rather than playing catch-up after the area is populated. The changes represent a clear effort to integrate urban growth with sustainable mobility, enhancing connectivity for both current and future inhabitants of Esplugues.

Primary source: El Periódico Barcelona.