> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # L8 extension cost-benefit case questioned in analysis - URL: https://barna.news/l8-extension-cost-benefit-case-questioned-in-analysis/ - Published: 2026-09-05T07:56:38.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-05T07:56:38.000Z - Author: Brandon Watea - Tags: transport Architect Manel Larrosa has questioned the economic case for the L8 extension that the Generalitat is building through Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), its public railway operator, between Plaça d'Espanya and Gràcia. For daily commuters on the Llobregat-Anoia and Vallès FGC networks, the planned four-kilometre link is intended to create new interchange options at Hospital Clínic and Francesc Macià and a seven-minute journey between Plaça d'Espanya and Gràcia. The Department of Territori previously estimated that it would benefit 70,000 passengers on a weekday. In an opinion analysis published by VIA Empresa on 4 September 2026, Larrosa argues that the scheme's demand forecasts and claimed benefits require closer scrutiny. His assessment draws on the 2014 informative study for the Plaça d'Espanya to Gràcia section. ## Official forecast and project scope The Generalitat's project joins FGC's Llobregat-Anoia and Vallès lines through central Barcelona. The plan includes two new stations, Hospital Clínic and Francesc Macià, and alterations at the existing Plaça d'Espanya and Gràcia stations, according to the Department of Territori figures reported in 2022. - The planned route is four kilometres long. - The Department of Territori forecast a seven-minute trip between Plaça d'Espanya and Gràcia. - Its forecast was for 70,000 weekday users and up to 19 million annual journeys. - The 2022 reported investment figure was €430 million. Larrosa writes that the 2014 informative study modelled 69,521 daily users once the extension was in place, which he says was 65% above the level then observed. He also notes that the study assigned an average time saving of 4.62 minutes per passenger. --- ## Larrosa challenges demand and congestion assumptions Larrosa says the study monetised the estimated time savings at €11.84 per hour, producing an annual value of €17.7 million against an investment he describes as initially estimated at €321 million and subsequently at €489 million. The works were awarded in June 2023, according to his analysis. He also challenges the forecast that 5,562 people a day would switch from private vehicles to FGC, and the calculation of benefits from reduced road congestion. > “Congestion does not fall because more public transport is provided. Rather, congestion is what shifts users to public transport.”Manel Larrosa, architect and member of FEMVallès The analysis says 43% of the investment would be direct spending on stations and 51% on tunnels, with the remaining 6% allocated to other costs. Larrosa argues that the depth and complexity of the stations increase the project's cost. Residents and commuters seeking construction and project information can consult the Generalitat's [L8 extension project page](https://territori.gencat.cat/ca/03%5Finfraestructures%5Fi%5Fmobilitat/transport%5Fpublic/metro/linia-L8/?ref=barna.news). --- *Primary sources:* [*govern.cat*](https://govern.cat/gov/notes-premsa/782168/afectacions-mobilitat-nova-fase-obres-ll8-dfgc-barcelona-partir-del-12-gener?ref=barna.news)*,* [*territori.gencat.cat*](https://territori.gencat.cat/ca/03%5Finfraestructures%5Fi%5Fmobilitat/transport%5Fpublic/metro/linia-L8/?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by viaempresa.cat, rtve.es, eixdiari.cat, lapremsadelbaix.es, rac1.cat, msalas@fgc.cat;ccasas@fgc.cat;jbergas@fgc.cat, europapress.es, metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, 20minutos, cadenaser.com.* --- ### Related on Catalan.News - Barcelona to launch contactless card payments on public transport by 2027 - Generalitat Plans New AVE Stop in Vallès - Catalan Government Launches Study for New Rail Link - FGC to Run All-Night Trains for Sabadell Festival 2026