Urgent Call for Enhanced Bus Safety
Sant Cugat’s municipal groups are demanding immediate reinforcement of safety checks on urban buses, following a fire on an L11 line bus last Monday on Bilbao Avenue. The incident, which destroyed the vehicle but caused no injuries, has prompted an official statement from the Board of Spokespersons, initiated by CUP and read at Friday’s plenary session. The call urges additional monitoring beyond routine inspections to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. A rigorous and swift investigation into the fire’s cause is also demanded, with the results to be made public. According to the municipality, a report has already been requested and an investigation is underway.
Electrical Fault Suspected
The CGT union section at Marfina Bus has pointed to poor fleet maintenance and a potential electrical fault as the likely cause. While the exact origin remains unconfirmed, this aligns with findings from international safety reports, including a 2024 New South Wales investigation into a similar coach fire caused by a high-resistance electrical connection overheating. In that case, inadequate circuit protection and the absence of an engine bay fire suppression system were identified as contributing factors. Recommendations from such reports include improved inspection regimes and the installation of fire suppression systems, measures now under scrutiny in Sant Cugat.
We need guarantees that such incidents won’t happen again. The current fleet is old and prone to breakdowns, and safety cannot be compromised.
Fleet Renewal Delayed
The fire intensifies pressure as the city awaits the arrival of 27 new buses, part of a long-delayed fleet renewal. Originally expected by mid-2026, the new vehicles are now projected to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027, according to municipal forecasts. This renewal is part of a wider agreement between Sant Cugat and the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), which includes a €17 million payment to the council to cover past operating costs. The AMB formally assumed responsibility for the urban bus service in 2025 after years of local management. Residents are advised to monitor updates via the Sant Cugat municipal website for safety notices and service changes.
Primary sources: cugat.cat, premsa.santcugat.cat. Reported by parliament.nsw.gov.au, otsi.nsw.gov.au, totsantcugat.cat, cupsantcugat.cat, elperiodico.com, lavanguardia.com.
