Barcelona's free Rodalies train passes will end on 9 May. The Catalan government confirmed this decision, which follows three months of complimentary travel after a fatal accident in Gelida.
Sílvia Paneque, Minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, announced the change on Thursday. She stated that "progressive improvement" of the service makes ending the gratuity appropriate.
"This gratuity will be maintained until Friday 8 and, from 9 May, the usual payment system will be restored," Paneque affirmed. The free passes have been valid since the 20 January incident.
Service Improvements Cited
The Gelida accident, which occurred three months ago, involved a 27-year-old trainee driver who died. This incident caused significant mobility disruption across the Rodalies network.
Following extensive emergency work on the infrastructure, 96% of the railway service is now guaranteed. Alternative transport plans also remain active for affected routes.
Rubí Tunnel Reopens
Paneque visited the Rubí tunnel on Thursday with José Antonio Santano, the Secretary of State for Transport. The tunnel reopened on Wednesday for freight trains after seven weeks of repair work.
Pass Details and Impact
The free Rodalies passes, available at ticket offices and self-service machines, covered all zones. They also applied to regional, regional express, and medium-distance trains. Multiple people could use the same pass.
However, the passes did not include AVANT services or high-speed medium-distance trains between Barcelona and Lleida. This change affects daily commuters and visitors relying on the extensive Rodalies network in the Barcelona metropolitan area and beyond.
Residents and tourists should prepare for the return to standard fares next week. The government expects the improved service levels to continue.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
