Igualada's local council has unanimously approved a motion urging the Catalan government, the Generalitat, not to extend the current concession for the intercity bus service between Igualada and Barcelona. This service is operated by Monbus, and the council's decision comes amid reports that the government might consider another extension for existing concessions.
Many of these concessions are set to expire in 2028, having already been extended in 2003 for a 25-year period. The possibility of a new extension has caused concern among municipal groups in Igualada, who believe it could cement a service model that does not meet current user needs. The approved motion highlights that the end of these concessions offers a chance to rethink the intercity transport system and introduce structural improvements.
Demands for Service Improvements
The council wants to see better service quality, increased frequency, larger vehicle capacity, and a more sustainable fleet. The motion warns that another extension could delay these necessary improvements and limit the ability to change the current model. Specifically for the Igualada-Barcelona route, the council agreed that issues like overcrowding during peak hours, the condition of the bus fleet, and the lack of a stable night service must be addressed.
Municipal groups have demanded that these shortcomings be resolved with a forward-looking approach, focused on the mobility needs of residents. Poble Actiu, the municipal group that presented the motion, welcomed the unanimous support from the council. They stressed that this is a critical issue for both the city and Catalonia, directly affecting the daily mobility and quality of life for thousands of people.
Future of Transport Concessions
The agreement also stipulates that if the Generalitat ultimately chooses to extend the concession, it should be strictly temporary. Any such extension must include specific, measurable obligations with a clear timetable for service improvements. This push from Igualada reflects a broader desire across Catalonia to modernise public transport services as long-standing contracts approach their expiry dates.
