Pressure Mounts After Rail Disruptions
Local authorities across Catalonia are calling on the Generalitat to provide more direct and reliable bus connections to Barcelona after a series of recent disruptions to Rodalies commuter rail services. On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, a walkout by train drivers compounded existing issues caused by heavy rainfall over the weekend, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing them to seek alternative transport. The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition responded by deploying 49 additional interurban buses on 7 October alone, supplementing the 70 already mobilised since Saturday due to weather-related rail closures. According to the Generalitat, these measures aim to offer viable alternatives for passengers unable to complete their usual rail journeys (elnacional.cat; laciutat.cat).
Terrassa Seeks Better Alternatives
Terrassa’s city council has formally requested the Department of Territory and Renfe enhance alternative transport options due to persistent problems on the R4 line, which connects the city to Barcelona. Mayor Jordi Ballart (Tot per Terrassa) stated on social media that recent incidents have once again highlighted a recurring issue. During Wednesday’s disruption, no replacement buses were provided by Renfe, pushing passengers onto existing interurban lines e2.1 and e2.2 or Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya services, all of which became severely overcrowded. Terrassa residents also face ongoing difficulties connecting with Sabadell, as the rail link between the two cities was disrupted. The city is now advocating for a direct bus service to improve connectivity.
Service Gaps in Vallès Oriental
The R2 Nord line between Granollers and Sant Celoni remains fully suspended as technicians from Adif work to stabilise a landslide-damaged embankment. The closure, which began last Saturday, is expected to last until the end of the week. In the meantime, Renfe has introduced a substitute bus service connecting five affected municipalities, requiring passengers to transfer to trains in Granollers. However, buses are filling up early at initial stops, making access difficult for residents of Llinars del Vallès, Cardedeu and Les Franqueses del Vallès. In response, Les Franqueses has launched its own shuttle minibus to help citizens reach Granollers Centre. In Sant Celoni, a group of residents has formally petitioned the local council to demand a permanent direct bus link to Barcelona. Their request calls for a service that is regular, frequent and aligned with work and school schedules, particularly in the morning. They stress that the town should not rely solely on a single transport mode for regional access.
Maresme Commuters Face Overcrowding
The Maresme region, especially Mataró, has also been severely affected. Interurban lines e11.1 and e11.2, operated by Moventis, have been overwhelmed during the recent weather disruptions, with passengers forced to sit on floors due to overcrowding. Vilassar de Mar, one of the few lower Maresme towns without a direct bus to Barcelona, remains dependent on the C10 line along the N-II road, stopping in towns like El Masnou and Montgat instead of using the faster C-31 motorway. In April, residents launched a petition demanding a direct route, gathering 5,000 signatures. The town council approved a formal declaration supporting the initiative in June and pledged to forward the request to the Generalitat. As of now, no action has been taken.
Planned Network Improvements
Beyond emergency responses, the Generalitat is preparing a broader overhaul of the interurban bus network, with new contracts set to begin in 2028 when current concessions for over 850 lines expire. The Department of Territory has already launched several tenders as part of this process. Recent announcements include the addition of 1,000 new buses to the fleet in the coming years. The current emergency measures are part of a wider effort that includes the second phase of a shock plan launched in April, which has already allocated €7.8 million, 36.2% of the total €21.4 million budget, towards improving 13 key bus routes across Catalonia (laciutat.cat). Specific improvements include enhanced frequencies on the Barcelona–Cerdanyola–UAB express route and the B6 line between Sabadell and the Autonomous University, with adjusted peak-hour schedules to better serve students.
Reported by elnacional.cat, laciutat.cat, elperiodico.com, El Periódico de Catalunya, europapress.es, El Periódico (CA).
