Know Your Options During a Transit Incident

With thousands of daily commuters relying on public transport in Catalonia, knowing how to respond during an aggression or conflict on a train is critical. As of Monday 14 September 2026, Rodalies de Catalunya, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) each maintain distinct but overlapping systems to report safety incidents. The overarching guidance for all networks is clear: if it can be done safely, passengers should distance themselves from the aggressor, seek a secure location and immediately alert transport staff or emergency services.

Rodalies: Use Alarms with Caution

On Rodalies de Catalunya trains, passengers may activate emergency alarms if an incident occurs during boarding, alighting or while en route. According to the official Conditions of Use, this action alerts railway personnel but does not guarantee an immediate stop of the train. Rodalies explicitly warns against misuse of emergency systems. While the alarm enables communication with staff, it should not be mistaken for a direct command to halt the train. In cases of immediate physical danger, calling 112 remains the fastest way to mobilise emergency responders.

FGC: Intercoms, App and Station Help Points

FGC offers multiple reporting routes. Passengers can use intercom units inside trains, Information and Assistance Points at stations, or the incivility-reporting feature in the FGC app. The company specifically identifies aggression and conflict as valid reasons to use onboard intercoms. The app allows users to report misconduct after the fact, supporting FGC’s efforts to document and address antisocial behaviour. Surveillance systems operate under data protection protocols outlined in national and regional law, including Royal Decree 2387/2004 and Law 5/2014 on private security.

TMB Metro: SOS Intercoms Linked to Control Centre

Barcelona’s metro network, operated by TMB, relies on approximately 2,300 emergency intercoms across its system. These devices connect directly to the Metro Control Centre, where operators assess the situation and dispatch appropriate aid. As detailed on TMB’s official user guide, pressing the SOS button allows communication with control staff. If the victim cannot speak, another passenger may report on their behalf. Depending on the nature of the incident, responses can include medical assistance, fire services, security guards or police intervention. TMB advises exiting at the next station if safe, then using an intercom or speaking to station staff. However, personal safety always takes precedence over reaching a help point.

“If there’s an active threat, your priority is to get to safety and call 112, don’t risk further harm trying to reach a device,”

While all three operators prioritise passenger safety, they differ in transparency. FGC and TMB provide specific instructions for reporting aggression, whereas Rodalies’ public documentation offers less detail on in-train procedures despite permitting alarm use during incidents.

What You Should Do: A Quick Guide

  • Safety first: Move away from danger if possible.
  • Alert others: Use emergency intercoms (FGC, TMB) or alarms (Rodalies).
  • Contact control: Speak to Metro Control via SOS points; others can report on your behalf.
  • Call 112: For immediate threats to life or safety.
  • Report later: Use the FGC app or speak to staff post-incident.

Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, tmb.cat, rodalies.gencat.cat, transparencia.tmb.cat, fundacio.tmb.cat. Reported by Descarga nuestra APP, CatalunyaPress.cat, europapress.es, rtve.es, elperiodico.cat, ara.cat, elperiodico.com, alamys.org, viaempresa.cat, Numero Servicio al cliente, elnacional.cat, catalunyapress.es.