Transport Minister Óscar Puente acknowledged on Thursday 22 October 2026 that Rodalies users are “desperate” when trains stop, but insisted that a new phase of investment and local management will bring clear improvements to the service.
Speaking after a high-level meeting at the Palau de la Generalitat with Catalan President Salvador Illa and senior rail executives, Puente described the talks as a “monographic” session on the state of Rodalies. He pledged that results from ongoing efforts “will be seen”, despite the network still being in an “incipient phase” of recovery.
We are working very hard to improve the service and we will achieve it, I have no doubt about it. I know that when the train stops people get desperate, and it is normal, but we are opening a new stage, with local governance, with more investments than ever that will be noticed.
Puente admitted he could have done more to communicate progress, saying: “I, who am a person used to communicating, perhaps I have ceded too much space on this issue and I should come out more.”
Transfer of R1 line on track despite elections
Both Puente and Illa reaffirmed their commitment to transferring the R1 line from Spanish to Catalan management before the end of 2026. The transfer, first agreed as a pilot for broader devolution, remains on schedule, though Puente acknowledged that the upcoming general elections on 29 November could “disrupt” the timeline.
“On 29N nothing ends, it is a stepping stone,” Puente said, stressing continuity between administrations. Illa confirmed the process “follows the steps” already defined, with only procedural matters remaining.
New trains and maintenance investment
Puente confirmed that the first batch of new Alstom trains for Rodalies will become operational in the first quarter of 2027 “or even sooner,” revising earlier estimates that placed their arrival in spring. The delay in delivery has been a source of ongoing criticism.
He also highlighted a €1 billion investment programme to modernise Renfe’s maintenance workshops, announced via Renfe's official portal. This follows approximately €200 million in emergency funding after storm damage in January 2026 caused 630 incidents on the network. Puente noted that autumn 2026 has seen only 14 such incidents, a sign of progress.
New contract with Renfe to be approved next week
A key development discussed was the renewal of the expired programme contract with Renfe, which has been without formal renewal since December 2010. Both the Spanish Council of Ministers and the Catalan Executive Council are set to approve the new contract next Tuesday, marking a significant step in stabilising operations.
The meeting included representatives from Adif, Renfe, and Rodalies de Catalunya, underscoring the joint effort to stabilise and improve the commuter rail network serving Barcelona and its surrounding regions.
Sources: Ara, El Periódico.
