Demand for Enhanced Rail Connectivity
CCOO Vallès Oriental-Maresme and Osona, in collaboration with several municipalities in Vallès Oriental, advocate for the extension of the R8 line to Sant Celoni instead of Granollers. They argue that the Sant Celoni station has the capacity to accommodate this extension, as it currently serves as the terminus for R2 line trains.
Frequency Enhancement Urged
Simultaneously, there is a call for increased train frequencies. It is noted that in June 2022, over a year ago, the Government of Catalonia announced a plan to double the frequency. However, due to budget constraints, this initiative has not been implemented.
Background on R8 Line
The R8 line, inaugurated in 2011, links Granollers with Martorell. Originally, it was intended to connect Mataró with Vilanova i la Geltrú without passing through Barcelona. Despite its potential significance as the backbone and primary railway corridor of Vallès, CCOO suggests it has been somewhat neglected by the authorities.
The R8 line serves many students commuting to the Autonomous University of Bellaterra from areas that currently face challenges due to the lack of direct service and insufficient frequencies. Increased frequencies and improved connectivity with other regions would benefit Granollers, Montmeló, and Mollet.