Guinardó residents protested on Tuesday, 23 April, outside Sant Pau Hospital, demanding Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) modify three bus routes. They aim to enhance access to local healthcare facilities for vulnerable individuals. A score of residents participated in the demonstration.

The protest highlighted significant accessibility challenges. Many public transport users, particularly the elderly and those with reduced mobility, must walk long distances. They also face steep inclines to reach the Guinardó Primary Healthcare Centre (CAP Guinardó), the Cotxeres Urgent Primary Care Centre (CUAP Cotxeres), or Sant Pau Hospital.

Demands for Improved Healthcare Access

Carmen Herrera, who uses crutches, described her struggle. She stated, "In the neighbourhood, many people have mobility problems. We want the option to reach the doctor by bus." Residents displayed signs with the slogan, "We want the V23, 117, and 39 buses to take us closer to healthcare centres."

They propose specific changes for each bus line. For the V23 line towards Can Marcet, they request an extension along Ronda del Guinardó. This would reach stop 3559 before turning onto Carrer de Cartagena. This small adjustment would save residents a walk of over 100 metres to the hospital.

Long-Standing Community Campaign

The Joan Maragall Neighbourhood Association launched this campaign. They also ask the 117 Neighbourhood Bus to alter its route. This would bring it closer to Sant Pau Hospital and CAP Guinardó. Additionally, they want to extend Line 39 from Plaça Catalana. The proposed extension would run along Carrers d’Amílcar and Cartellà and Avinguda dels Quinze. This would connect it directly to CUAP Cotxeres.

These demands are not new. The Pact for a Neighbourhood Model in Guinardó first included them in 2018. A plenary council meeting later ratified this pact. Furthermore, all municipal groups supported the neighbourhood proposal again in March. Alícia Palau, president of the Joan Maragall Neighbourhood Association, expressed frustration. She said, "We have been asking for this for 10 years. The Horta-Guinardó district supports us, but TMB does not listen."

District and TMB Responses

The Horta-Guinardó district acknowledges the concerns. District officials indicate they are currently analysing possible improvements. Changes to the 117 line are already on the agenda for the Mobility Table. However, TMB considers the proposed V23 modification inefficient. They also deem extending the 39 line along Carrer d’Amílcar technically complicated.

Despite these technical concerns, the governing team will provide a detailed response. They will address the specific demands at the Neighbourhood Council meeting on 27 April. Residents await this crucial update, hoping for concrete steps towards better public transport accessibility.

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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.