Rodalies train services across Catalonia will largely return to pre-accident levels this week, three and a half months after a fatal railway incident in Gelida. Additionally, the popular free travel passes will conclude on 9 May.
Consellera Sílvia Paneque, from the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, confirmed the service improvements. She warned, however, that some punctual actions and alternative transport plans will remain in place. These measures aim to advance pending infrastructure enhancements.
Key Service Restoration Details
From Monday, 6 May, the R15 line between Reus, in Tarragona province, and Móra la Nova will reopen. This restoration marks a significant step for commuters in the region. On Tuesday, 7 May, two more critical sections will resume full operation.
The R3 line will see service restored between Ripoll and Ribes de Freser, located in Girona province. Simultaneously, the R4 line will recover its complete route between Sant Vicenç de Calders, in Tarragona, and Manresa, in Barcelona province. These re-establishments bring the network close to its operational state before the Gelida accident.
Ongoing Works and Alternative Plans
Despite the widespread service recovery, several alternative transport plans (ATPs) will continue. These include services for the Móra la Nova to Riba-roja d'Ebre section and areas around Ripoll and Puigcerdà. Works in the Garraf area will also maintain their ATPs.
Furthermore, the Generalitat announced a new ATP starting Monday for the R13 line. This involves a total service cut between La Plana-Picamoixons and Sant Vicenç de Calders. The disruption is for tunnel lining works and should end by early July. Works on the R3 line will continue with an ATP until January 2027, when their completion is expected.
End of Free Travel Passes
The free Rodalies travel passes will end on Saturday, 9 May. This decision follows the progressive service improvement since the Gelida accident. Consellera Paneque stated that 96% of the railway service is now guaranteed after numerous emergency infrastructure works. She believes this makes it the right time to cease the free passes.
Consellera Paneque affirmed, "This gratuity will be maintained until Friday 8th and, from 9th May, the usual payment system will be recovered." This change will affect thousands of daily commuters who have benefited from the free travel scheme. Residents will need to purchase tickets or passes for their journeys from next week.
This week's service restorations and the conclusion of free travel mark a significant shift for Rodalies users. The network aims to provide a more reliable service while continuing essential infrastructure upgrades across Catalonia.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
