A forceful defense of the railway service
In a recent appearance in Congress, Transport Minister Oscar Puente has rejected allegations on a deterioration in the commuter service, ensuring that incidents have been significantly reduced. “The figures speak for themselves: the delays and the affected trains have declined,” he said firmly.
Opposition Critics: A political storm
The minister’s words have not been welcomed by all parliamentary groups. Deputies of the PP and Vox have expressed their dissatisfaction with the claims of Puente, accusing him of not taking responsibility and of having excuses to justify a situation that they consider unsustainable.
The view of the PP
The PP Member, Nacho Martín Blanco, criticized Puente for his lack of presence in Catalonia, noting that the poor planning of the works is the cause of current problems.
Vox’s complaints
For his part, Carina Mejías de Vox described the situation as a ‘national shame’, questioning the investment data presented by the minister.
Investment figures: a detailed approach
Puente said that since the arrival of the PSOE to the Government, more than 2.2 billion euros have been invested in improvements for commuter and other railway services. “The investment is real and tangible,” he defended, emphasizing the 607 million specifically for commuter ones for this year.
The causes of incidents: an open debate
The minister listed several causes that have caused network incidents, such as technical problems and vandalism, rejecting any suggestions that they were the result of a lack of investment.
Vandalism as a factor
Puente emphasized that a third of the vandalism occurs in the Barcelona area, a problem that he considers serious and that directly affects the service.
The reaction of governing partners
Government partners have also expressed their concerns. Inés Granollers de Esquerra emphasized that the Catalan railway system needs an immediate solution to address the structural problem that affects the daily mobility of citizens.
Looking to the future
As the Rodalies debate continues, it is clear that the management of the railway service in Catalonia is a complex topic that requires collaborative solutions and constant attention from all the actors involved.