Expanded Bus and Train Services for Academic Year Start

As of today, 8 September 2026, a series of expanded and new public transport services have taken effect across Catalonia to support students and families returning to schools and universities.

The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition has rolled out a comprehensive upgrade to regional transport networks, focusing on improved connectivity to educational institutions. The changes include new bus lines, increased train frequencies and extended operating hours, particularly targeting access to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).

Enhanced Access to UAB Campus

The interurban bus route between Manresa and UAB Bellaterra now offers 28 daily trips in each direction, up from previous levels, with 10 new departures towards Manresa and 8 towards the UAB. A new evening departure at 21.30 from the university campus has been added to support students returning late.

The e3 bus line connecting Barcelona, Cerdanyola and UAB has introduced 14 additional trips, bringing the total to 107 towards UAB and 111 towards Barcelona on weekdays. Adjustments have been made to align schedules with actual traffic conditions and to better coordinate direct services with those passing through Cerdanyola.

Additionally, the Sabadell–Barberà–Badia–UAB route now operates nine daily trips each way, with a new morning departure and revised schedules between 07.00 and 11.00.

Two new bus services launched by Sagalés connect the Moianès and Vall del Tenes regions to the UAB, each offering three morning and three return trips aligned with class times. These additions bring the total number of interurban bus lines serving the UAB to 19, significantly improving access for students from low-density areas without rail infrastructure.

“These new services expand sustainable public transport options to municipalities that previously lacked alternatives to private vehicles, enhancing mobility for study purposes,” said David Saldoni, Director of Transport and Mobility.

Increased Train Capacity on FGC and Rodalies

FGC restored its full weekday service on 31 August, operating at maximum capacity on the Barcelona-Vallès and Llobregat-Anoia lines, utilising all available rolling stock and staff during peak hours.

Rodalies de Catalunya has reinforced key lines during peak times. Lines R1 and R4 now run every 7 to 8 minutes in the morning and evening peaks. R2 Sud offers trains every 8 minutes between Barcelona and Vilanova i la Geltrú in the morning, while R2 sees increased frequency with trains every 15 minutes between Granollers and Barcelona, and every 8 minutes between Barcelona and Castelldefels.

The enhanced Rodalies service includes additional staffing for information and security at major stations, increased train maintenance and a total of 9,000 extra seats across the network.

New and Upgraded Regional Bus Lines

  • The Mediona–Sant Sadurní d'Anoia line launched today, providing eight weekday trips and connecting previously underserved areas like les Cases de Can Pardo and Font del Bosc.
  • The Rupit–Roda de Ter–Vic route now includes two additional round trips on school days to support access to Roda de Ter’s secondary school.
  • Caldes de Montbui–Hospital de Mollet now operates 16 weekday trips (three more than before), runs on Sundays and holidays with seven daily trips each way, and extends service hours from 06.40 to 22.00 using two 100% electric buses.
  • The new 502 line between Guissona and Cervera runs 12 round trips on weekdays, connecting in 22 minutes and serving Tàrrega de Segarra and Torrefeta i Florejacs, with links to rail lines RL3 and RL4.
  • M12 and M13 services in Rellinars now include an additional trip with extended routing to Terrassa and improved coordination with Rodalies R4.
  • Adjusted timetables are now in effect on routes serving La Seu d'Urgell and Alàs, with further adjustments to the Puigcerdà–La Seu d'Urgell line implemented today to align with school start times.

These improvements form part of the second phase of the interurban bus shock plan, aimed at enhancing connectivity and punctuality for students across Catalonia.

Primary sources: govern.cat, eb.gencat.cat. Reported by gentedigital.es, elperiodico.com, UAB - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, fecav.es, catalunyapress.es.