Chaos in Public Transport
This Monday was a chaotic morning for public transport users in Barcelona. Maresme trains and the Rodalies service have not been able to reach the city due to a situation that is expected to last throughout the day. Alternatives, such as bus services, have not been sufficient to cope with the unexpected demand due to yesterday’s sabotage of rail facilities. This situation has caused dramatic effects that have collapsed the entire transport system. According to Adif, the problem caused by a copper theft near Montcada could begin to be resolved from this Tuesday.
Changes in Transport in Badalona
The R1 line, which connects the Maresme with Barcelona, only goes as far as Badalona. Users must get off at Badalona and walk about 15 minutes to the Metro line 2 stop to get to Barcelona. This has caused many users to spend 20 to 30 minutes longer than usual to reach their destinations. Passengers have expressed their concerns and asked for more coordination and information to facilitate the connection of the train to the subway.
Bus saturation
The main alternative to get to Barcelona has been the Expres.cat line, which connects Mataró with the county town. However, the buses have been overcrowded and full to overflowing, causing many passengers to be unable to board. Travelers with Rodalies season tickets have received free tickets for Expres.cat buses.
Chaos in the Whole System
The situation has not only affected the Maresme, but also other lines such as the R4 Nord, where travelers from Manresa, Terrassa and Sabadell have been urged to use Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC). Montcada users have been advised to connect with Metro line 1 and also line 5 in Cornellà. In addition, a road bus service has been established for travelers from Puigcerdà to Montcada Ripollet. Renfe has reinforced information and customer service staff at stations to help affected passengers.
Solution Forecasts
The Government has informed that the repairs to restore normality on the R3 and R4 lines may take up to two months due to the breakdown in Montcada, which is considered ‘structural’. However, it is expected that the situation will be resolved sooner on lines R1 and R4 in its southern section. According to Adif, the incidents caused by the fires in Barcelona’s tunnels could be resolved over the course of Tuesday.