Barcelona’s Fabra i Puig metro station faces severe overcrowding during peak hours. A 10% surge in passenger validations prompts significant safety concerns for daily commuters. This critical situation, ongoing for weeks, stems from the recent Rodalies rail crisis.
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Hundreds of passengers now accumulate on the Line 1 (L1) platforms. This occurs particularly between 07:00 and 09:00, creating a “limit situation.” This influx combines regular L1 users with those arriving from outside the city via interurban buses. Many buses now terminate at Fabra i Puig. They do this to avoid traffic congestion on the Meridiana avenue, directing passengers to the metro.
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Alex Labad, a member of the Federation of Barcelona Residents’ Associations (FAVB) Mobility Commission, highlighted the daily struggle. “Every day it is the same, we are experiencing a collapse situation on the platform and there is a risk of falling onto the tracks,” Labad stated.
TMB’s Response and Safety Measures
The crisis began approximately two months ago. The Rodalies commuter rail network then experienced widespread disruptions. This forced 200,000 daily users to seek alternative transport solutions. They primarily shifted to road transport. The subsequent arrival of these interurban buses into the city has directly impacted key transport hubs like Fabra i Puig.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), the city’s public transport operator, maintains that “there is no collapse” at the station. However, TMB confirms it has implemented a special internal circulation system. This system aims to prevent incoming and outgoing passengers from crossing paths. It enhances safety and operational capacity.
Additionally, TMB has increased train frequency during peak hours. They also added more ticket validators towards the platforms. Two security guards now regulate passenger flow in the station’s lobby. Adrián Maestre, one of the security guards, emphasised the importance of their presence. He explained that “if it were not for their presence at Fabra i Puig ‘a truly dangerous situation would be experienced’.”
Calls for Sustainable Solutions
Despite TMB’s measures, the FAVB remains unconvinced these are sufficient long-term solutions. While acknowledging temporary improvements, the organisation believes other alternatives are essential. Labad specifically called for a redistribution of interurban bus traffic. He also urged for improved frequencies of urban buses to alleviate metro congestion. Furthermore, Labad stressed the need to plan for an expansion or improvement of the Fabra i Puig transport node.
Addressing the Fabra i Puig overcrowding is crucial for Barcelona’s daily commuters. This particularly affects those relying on the L1 metro and interurban bus connections. The ongoing dialogue between residents’ associations and transport authorities will determine future strategies. These strategies will ensure passenger safety and efficient public transport flow in this vital district.
Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
