Barcelona’s Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM), the body that co-ordinates the city’s integrated public transport system, was assigned €149.3 million in state funding for 2026 under a Royal Decree published on 31 October 2025.
For passengers using Barcelona’s public transport network, the funding is intended to help finance the regular land transport system. The decree does not set fares or announce individual service changes.
Direct grant for an essential public service
Under Royal Decree 966/2025, issued by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the ATM’s allocation is listed as €149.30152 million.
The decree regulates direct grants for the public passenger transport systems serving the metropolitan areas of Barcelona and Madrid, as well as Valencia and the Canary Islands. It describes those services as essential for residents and says a direct award was used because no alternative bodies provide the same regular public transport service in those areas.
The measure forms part of the ministry’s Strategic Subsidy Plan for 2025–2027, which aims to improve mobility and economic competitiveness. The official notice identifies the ATM as the beneficiary responsible for Barcelona’s system.
Primary sources: boe.es, transportes.gob.es, lamoncloa.gob.es. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, es.ibtimes.com, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.
