Passengers Describe Uncomfortable, Unsafe Conditions

Users of the Moventis-operated L1727 bus line between Palafrugell and Girona have raised concerns over chronic overcrowding, particularly on early morning services. Laia Pi and Laia Font, both University of Girona students, take the 6:27 AM bus from Palafrugell and describe increasingly unsafe conditions by the time the bus reaches Platja d'Aro. "We have a journey of an hour and a half, and there are people who stand the entire time. Furthermore, those in the aisle have nothing to hold onto," they said. They added that sudden braking and sharp turns make standing passengers vulnerable. Miguel Ángel, who boards in Platja d'Aro, confirmed the situation: "A lot of people get on here, and you have to stand. Many times, people don't get on the bus because they prefer to wait for the next one, even if they'll be late for class."

Local Councils Seek Solutions

The councils of Castell-Platja d'Aro and Santa Cristina d'Aro have formally raised the issue with Moventis and the Generalitat’s Department of Territory. Joan Amat, Councillor for Mobility in Castell-Platja d'Aro, said no short-term solution has been offered. "We haven't achieved it. They tell us that adding another bus or doubling frequencies has a very high cost and that they doubt it would be profitable," he explained. Josep Xifre, mayor of Santa Cristina d'Aro, criticised the lack of planning. "We're putting the cart before the horse here. We join the ATM, incentives are given to promote public transport use, but then there's no money from the Generalitat for the concessionaire to increase the service."

  • The L1727 line runs from Palafrugell through Palamós, Calonge, Platja d’Aro, and Castell-Platja d’Aro to Girona.
  • Services operate from 6:15 AM, with peak frequency on weekdays.
  • The route is part of the integrated fare system managed by the ATM (Àrea de Transport Metropolità).

No Rail Alternative in Baix Empordà

The Baix Empordà region has no rail service, making the bus the only public transport option for many. Demand has surged in recent years due to fare integration and rising fuel prices. According to Teisa, a key operator in the region, passenger numbers on the Sant Feliu de Guíxols–Girona line increased by 65% over six years. A similar trend is evident on the Palafrugell–Girona route, where overcrowding reflects broader pressures on interurban transport. The Generalitat and TEISA recently announced service improvements on the Girona–Sant Feliu de Guíxols corridor, including increased frequency and adjusted schedules starting in October 2024, but no such measures have been confirmed for the Palafrugell line. Passengers continue to call for additional buses or expanded capacity to meet growing demand.

What it means for you

  • When: Every weekday morning, especially at 06:27 when the bus leaves Palafrugell.
  • Where: On the L1727 (E3) bus line between Palafrugell and Girona, including stops at Palamós, Calonge, Platja d'Aro and Castell-Platja d'Aro.

Sources: 3Cat, diariodetransporte.com.