The Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) will introduce two new minibuses to line MB3 in Molins de Rei from Thursday 15 October, increasing seating capacity by 30% and enhancing public transport links between remote mountain neighbourhoods and key rail hubs.
In a statement released on Wednesday 14 October, the AMB said the updated fleet will raise total seating on the line from 73 to 95. Each of the new microbuses can carry 33 passengers, with 20 seated and 13 standing, and includes a designated area for people with reduced mobility (PRM). The vehicles are the largest-capacity microbuses currently available, designed to navigate the narrow, steep roads of areas such as Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra, La Rierada, and Vallpineda.
Year-Round Service with Improved Frequency
Line MB3 operates every day of the year, connecting the town centre of Molins de Rei with outlying urbanisations and linking to both the FGC station at La Floresta and the Rodalies commuter rail service in the municipality via 21 stops.
On weekdays, buses run every 30 minutes, while on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and weekdays in August, the frequency is every 60 minutes according to TransitApp’s service data.
The AMB states that the MB3 is a key line for guaranteeing public transport connectivity in the area, particularly for residents in hard-to-reach zones.
Connections to Regional Rail Networks
The upgrade supports integration with broader regional transit. The Rodalies R1 line serves Molins de Rei station, offering frequent connections towards Barcelona and the Maresme coast every 6 to 30 minutes depending on time of day. Meanwhile, FGC’s Barcelona-Vallès network provides additional commuter links with services every 5 to 20 minutes.
The new vehicles are part of the AMB’s ongoing effort to modernise local bus services and improve accessibility across the metropolitan area as confirmed in their official announcement.
Primary sources: rodalies.gencat.cat, renfe.com. Reported by Descarga nuestra APP, transitapp.com, fotos.europapress.es, AMB Metropolitan Mobility, Generalitat de Catalunya, fgc.cat, El Periódico Barcelona.
