Overcrowding Leaves Passengers Behind

Dozens of commuters from Alfarràs, Almenar, Alguaire, Rosselló and Torrefarrera are routinely unable to board the morning bus service to Lleida, despite increased frequencies introduced in September by the regional government. The bus, operated by Autocars Gamón as part of the Bus Exprés service, is consistently full at first departure, leaving passengers stranded and arriving late to work, school or training. Local mayors have voiced mounting frustration. Jordi Latorre, mayor of Torrefarrera, said the situation is worse than ever. Joan Andreu Urbano, mayor of Rosselló, confirmed that complaints were filed at the start of the school term, including one from a parent who contacted the Territorial Mobility Authority of Lleida (ATM). The ATM responded by pointing to the recent increase in services.

Local Leaders Demand Structural Change

Sebastià Noguero, newly elected mayor of Almenar, confirmed the issue has been raised at the Comarcal Council for analysis. He said officials must determine whether additional buses are needed during early and late peak hours. David Masot, president of the Segrià Comarcal Council, argued that temporary reinforcements are no longer enough. He called for a structural review of the route, including possible changes to schedules, pricing or future contract tenders. Masot noted that ridership on the line may have grown by 12 to 15 per cent, contributing to the strain.

At Barcelona they have a metro every five minutes, and here we can't even get on the bus because it's full.

Jesús Torrelles, former president of Pimec and head of Cajebel, criticised the lack of reliable public transport. He said overcrowding sometimes leads to arguments and disputes among passengers unable to board. Torrelles warned the situation effectively forces people to rely on private cars to reach Lleida.

The current timetable means many passengers must wait for the next available service, often missing appointments or arriving late. No new measures have been announced since the September service expansion.

Reported by lamanyana.cat.