Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) will assume management of the regional train lines connecting Lleida to Terrassa by the end of 2024. The public operator expects service improvements to start becoming noticeable at that time, with a progressive rollout of enhancements.

Carles Ruiz, President of FGC, explained the company's progress in becoming the integrated railway operator for Lleida through its FGC Rail subsidiary. Initial improvements will come from four new Stadler trains. These trains offer a greater capacity of 439 seats compared to current rolling stock.

Users will also benefit from the introduction of FGC's real-time passenger information systems at the stations it will manage. FGC will become the owner of 14 stations along the RL3 (Lleida-Cervera) and RL4 (Lleida-Terrassa) lines.

Station Upgrades and Service Expansion

The stations include Bell-lloc d'Urgell, Mollerussa, Golmés, Castellnou de Seana, Bellpuig, Anglesola, Tàrrega, Cervera, Sant Guim de Freixenet, Sant Martí Sesgueioles, Calaf, Seguers-Sant Pere Sallavinera, Aguilar de Segarra, and Rajadell. Reforms to adapt these stations to FGC standards, including installing access and ticket sales systems and a general image change, can begin once the transfer is complete. Mr Ruiz is meeting with local councils this month to explain how the service will transform.

FGC plans to offer 14 daily services in each direction between Lleida and Cervera. Five of these services will extend to Terrassa, increasing frequencies by three compared to current Renfe operations. Of the four new trains, one is currently undergoing tests at FGC's Pla de Vilanoveta workshop in Lleida. Stadler's factory in Valencia is constructing the other three, and FGC confirms they will be ready before the year ends.

Operational Challenges and Coordination

Mr Ruiz acknowledges that operating on tracks still owned by Adif may affect service performance. Additionally, FGC trains will share tracks and stations with Renfe services between Manresa and Terrassa. This requires FGC to ensure compatibility with Renfe's passenger information systems.

“We are working in coordination with Renfe and Adif to find solutions for all the challenges that arise,” Mr Ruiz stated. He also conveyed caution to the municipalities, aware of the high expectations for the new operator. The current service does not meet the region's needs.

Learning from Past Success

Local councils recall the significant transformation of the Lleida-La Pobla line. This line was close to closure before FGC took over its management. Since then, it has seen a six-fold increase in users, thanks to infrastructure updates. “In meetings with mayors, we convey that we need time to understand the line’s operation well,” Mr Ruiz explained. He added, “We need to get used to working in a different environment, as in this case, we operate on Adif’s infrastructure. However, we believe this service can evolve significantly in the future.”

For Mr Ruiz, a critical factor is that train journey times between Lleida and Mollerussa or Lleida and Tàrrega will be similar to car travel. This, combined with operating “in an area of economic development” and improved high-speed interconnections, promises substantial growth. “This will happen if we can offer a competitive mobility service,” he added.

Future Growth and Infrastructure Investment

The trend of the first year, showing whether users choose the train over private vehicles, “will determine the service’s growth,” the FGC president believes. If well-received, “we think that between Lleida and Cervera, a high-intensity transport system can develop, creating a public railway transport system that can meet the needs of Lleida’s metropolitan area,” he noted.

Parallel to these efforts, Ferrocarrils is expanding the Pla de Vilanoveta railway workshop in Lleida. This expansion will transform it into the Lleida Rodalies Operations Centre. FGC is equipping the centre with all necessary facilities for train maintenance. It is also installing a Management Centre and driving simulators to train new drivers.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.