Joan Nadal and the foundation of Autocars Nadal SA
Joan Nadal, together with his wife, Roser Pubill Mata, established the company Autocars Nadal SA in 1977. This company was dedicated to offering excursions in Andorra, as well as discretionary and school services. From his first operations, Joan Nadal demonstrated his passion for the transport industry and worked hard to establish himself as one of the leading providers of transport services in Andorra.
The expansion of the company and the regular line with Barcelona
At the end of 1988, Autocars Nadal SA launched a regular line between Barcelona and Andorra. Initially, they started with three daily frequencies and ticket sales were made at a hotel in Andorra la Vella. The success of this line was so great that in 2007 it acquired its own entity and was renamed Directbus. Today, Directbus offers 16 daily frequencies between Barcelona and Andorra, connecting El Prat airport, Sants de Barcelona station and Andorra la Vella, with a stop in Sant Julià de Lòria.
The career of Joan Nadal and his role in the National Bus Station
Joan Nadal, born in Sant Julià de Lòria, began his career working in a mechanical workshop and as a driver before founding Autocars Nadal SA. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Joan Nadal also personally supervised the mechanical part of the company’s vehicles. In addition, he was one of the promoters of the National Bus Station (ENA), an initiative that has contributed to improving public transport in Andorra.
The sale of the company and its legacy
After more than four decades dedicated to the company, Joan Nadal put Autocars Nadal SA up for sale. The company already had Julià’s participation since 2000, and finally Julià took over the entire company. Today, Autocars Nadal SA, now known as Directbus, continues to be one of the main players in the transport sector in Andorra, offering quality services and connecting Barcelona with the Andorran capital.
The recognition of his career
The death of Joan Nadal has been mourned by the community of Andorra. The Commune of Escaldes-Engordany has decreed a day of mourning in honor of his career as minor consul of the parish during the 1980-1983 mandate. In addition, the flags of the administrative buildings will fly at half-mast as a sign of respect. His contribution to the development of transport in Andorra and his dedication to the community will be remembered forever.
The family and artistic legacy of Joan Nadal
Joan Nadal was the father of theater director Ester Nadal. His death coincided with the premiere of the play ‘Andorra’, directed by his daughter, at the Encamp party hall. This production, which had already been performed in the Small Hall of the National Theater of Catalonia, was a tribute to his memory and a sample of his artistic legacy.
The last goodbyes to Joan Nadal
Joan Nadal’s relatives and friends will be able to say their last goodbyes in a ceremony to be held at the National Funeral Home. During this Good Friday, room 1 of the National Funeral Home can be visited from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. The last farewell will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in a civil ceremony in the chapel of the Crematorium de la Plana, before proceeding to the burial in the Escaldes-Engordany cemetery.
