Train drivers’ unions have approved new Rodalies train schedules. This paves the way for the full restoration of R4 service and improved operations on the R2 sud line. Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), Sindicato Español de Maquinistas y Ayudantes Ferroviarios (SEMAF), and Sindicato Ferroviario (SF) reached this significant agreement. It aims to normalise services across the Catalan rail network.
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The approval of these “line graphics,” detailing driver schedules and services, marks a crucial step. It resolves long-standing disruptions. For months, a lack of consensus on timetables prevented Renfe, the train operator, from reorganising services. It also stopped Renfe from adapting to network incidents. This situation directly impacted thousands of daily commuters.
The agreement expects new schedules to take effect next Tuesday. This is according to union sources cited by the Agència Catalana de Notícies (ACN). However, Renfe still needs to specify how these changes will translate into effective service on each line.
Resolving R4 and R2 Sud Disruptions
The R4 line connects Sant Vicenç de Calders with Manresa via Barcelona. It has seen partial paralysis between Martorell and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Infrastructure was ready following the Gelida accident. However, service could not be fully restored. Passengers on this vital commuter route have relied on alternative road transport. This affects towns like Martorell and Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.
Meanwhile, the R2 sud line links Sant Vicenç de Calders to Barcelona Estació de França. It has experienced accumulated delays and increased journey times since mid-March. Ongoing works in the Garraf tunnels caused this. These works necessitate single-track operation between Garraf and Sitges. The absence of an adapted timetable exacerbated issues for travellers.
Union Disagreement Persists
The vote on the new schedules was not unanimous. This indicates the conflict is not entirely resolved. Unions Alferro and Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) voted against the proposal. This highlights continued internal divisions among train drivers. These divisions concern working conditions and service planning.
The previous disagreement over these “line graphics” represented the primary obstacle. It prevented normalising service. Without a validated document, Renfe could not effectively reorganise timetables. They also could not adapt them to ongoing works and incidents across the network.
What Happens Next
Despite this breakthrough, full normalisation of services will not be immediate. Renfe must now detail the new service offerings. They also need to explain how the agreed schedules will be implemented. If the planned timeline holds, regular circulation should begin to recover from next Tuesday. This will offer relief to affected passengers across the Rodalies network.
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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
