Rodalies services see 'relative normality' after free travel ends

Commuter rail services across Catalonia, including major hubs in Barcelona, saw a return to 'relative normality' on Monday, the first working day since free travel on Rodalies tickets ended. While most users were aware of the change, many believe it was too soon to reintroduce fares given ongoing service issues.

Rodalies reinforced staff at key stations, including Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya, Mataró, Granollers, and Sant Celoni, to help passengers buy tickets. Around 70 new staff members started on Monday, according to officials.

User Concerns Over Service Quality

Despite the return to paid travel, many users feel the service remains inadequate. Anna Gómez, spokesperson for Dignitat a les Vies (Dignity on the Tracks), a platform defending Rodalies users' rights, told betevé that payment should only resume when the service functions properly. "This is not yet the case; some people have seen their journey times double or triple," Gómez stated.

She also questioned the government's claim that 90% of passenger numbers have recovered. "If that's true, why are they reinforcing intercity buses?" Gómez asked, adding, "Right now, only those who have no other choice take the train."

Both the Catalan and Spanish governments maintain that 95% of the network has returned to normal operations following the railway crisis. They also assert that 90% of passenger numbers have been recovered. However, many users say they will not return to the train, having opted for buses as an alternative.

New Ticket Prices and Discounts

With the end of free travel, the discounted prices that were in place before the railway crisis have been reinstated. These prices are part of measures introduced by the Spanish government to offset inflation caused by the war in Ukraine.

A monthly pass, allowing unlimited travel for one month within a chosen route or zone, costs €20. A youth pass, for those born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2011, costs €10. Bonotren tickets, which allow 10 journeys, have prices that vary depending on the number of zones travelled.