Barcelona's metro system registered an unprecedented 2,002,000 validations on 23 April, Sant Jordi's Day, setting an absolute daily ridership record for the underground network. This figure represents a 7% increase compared to Sant Jordi in 2025, which previously held the record for most journeys.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) confirmed this achievement in a statement, also noting that the combined metro and bus network recorded its highest number of validations, reaching 2.7 million journeys across the city.
Laia Bonet, president of TMB, described the milestone as historic. She acknowledged the commitment and effort of TMB staff, stating that the record would not have been possible without them. Bonet added that Barcelona is firmly committed to public transport as a core element of its mobility strategy.
Boosting Public Transport Use
The significant rise in public transport use on a major cultural holiday like Sant Jordi shows a growing reliance on the metro and bus services in Barcelona. The city's efforts to promote sustainable mobility appear to be gaining traction, with residents choosing public options for their travel needs during busy periods. This trend aligns with broader urban planning goals to reduce private vehicle use and improve air quality.
Looking ahead, TMB will likely analyse this record-breaking day to understand passenger flow and service demands better. Such data can inform future operational planning, especially for other large-scale events and holidays, ensuring the network can continue to meet increasing demand efficiently.
