Barcelona Metro passengers face substantially longer waits on Wednesday 11th November during a general strike called by several unions, transport operator Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has warned.

In a statement on Monday 9th November, TMB said trains on the automatic L9 and L10 lines could run more than 30 minutes apart. Commuters will have a reduced service during the morning and evening peaks, and services outside those periods will depend on how many staff join the strike.

The Generalitat, Catalonia’s regional government, has ordered minimum services equivalent to 25% of the usual public transport service from 6.30am to 9.30am and from 4.30pm to 9pm. The order applies to urban and interurban transport, including the Metro and TMB buses.

Metro waiting times by line

TMB estimates the following intervals during the morning peak, when the minimum service applies:

  • L1 and L5: 10 to 12 minutes between trains.
  • The other conventional lines, including L11: around 15 minutes.
  • The automatic L9 and L10 lines, including their northern and southern sections: potentially more than 30 minutes.

For the afternoon and evening peak, the operator gives these estimates:

  • L1 and L5: approximately 11 to 13 minutes.
  • L2 and L11: around 15 minutes.
  • L3 and L4: 18 to 20 minutes.

Outside the peak periods, no minimum percentage has been established for passenger transport. TMB says the service available will depend on participation in the strike.

Buses, regional transport and other services

Bus passengers may face further disruption from gatherings and demonstrations, TMB said. Protests are scheduled for 1pm at Plaça Universitat and 5.30pm at Jardinets de Gràcia.

The government’s 25% peak-time requirement also covers Rodalies commuter and regional trains, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) trains, Barcelona’s trams and other urban and interurban transport. The government’s minimum-service notice sets out separate arrangements for other services:

  • Barcelona airport buses: 50% of the usual service, with at least one complete return trip.
  • Transport for disabled people: normal service.
  • School transport: normal service for access to pre-primary and primary schools where no alternative public transport is available.

TMB said it cannot guarantee that the Barcelona Bus Turístic or the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car will operate, as no essential services have been assigned to leisure transport.

Passengers can check TMB’s strike information page and its service notices before travelling. TMB’s customer service helpline is 900 701 149, available daily from 7am to 9pm.

Sources: TMB, Generalitat de Catalunya, catalunyapress.es.