Transformation of Public Transport
From October 1, travelers will be able to enjoy a new express bus service that will connect Barcelona with El Prat de Llobregat in just 25 minutes. The new line, called X2, will be managed by TMB and will cover a route of 20 stops from Plaça d’Espanya to Avinguda del Remolar, thus improving mobility between these two areas.
Improvements in Route and Speed
The design of the X2 route has been optimized to guarantee a more direct and faster route. Compared to the previous line, Line 165, stops on the Gran Via have been eliminated, thus achieving an increase in the speed of circulation up to 20 kilometers per hour, 5% faster. This will reduce travel time by five minutes.
Frequency and Accessibility
The X2 service will operate from Monday to Sunday, including weekends and holidays. The timetables will be from 5:10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the week, with an approximate frequency of 15 minutes between vehicles, offering an accessible and continuous solution for users.
Environmental Commitment and Innovation
The president of TMB, Laia Bonet, has highlighted the importance of this initiative as a significant improvement in the public transport offer, underlining the commitment to sustainability. Although the first vehicles will be gas-powered for logistical reasons, it is expected that the fleet will soon be changed to electric buses, thus highlighting TMB’s effort to reduce polluting emissions.
Passenger Growth Expectations
The new service is expected with optimism, with the forecast to increase the number of users. Line 165 currently has around 17,000 daily passengers, and TMB estimates that the X2 will be able to attract up to 20,000 daily users. In addition, measures are being studied to improve traffic light prioritization on Avinguda de Montserrat, thus increasing the efficiency of the new line.
Impact on Other Lines
With the entry into operation of the X2, there will also be changes on Line 65. Some stops will be eliminated, while new ones will be added, adapting the service to the current needs of users.
History of Express Buses in Barcelona
The X2 joins Barcelona’s family of express buses, which started with the X1, in operation since September 2021. This first service has seen a significant increase in use, with more than 920,000 validations on 2023, showing the growing acceptance of these fast services among citizens.
A Promising Future
With this new initiative, Barcelona and El Prat de Llobregat are not only improving their connectivity, but are also positioning themselves as models of sustainable and efficient public transport, contributing to a cleaner and more accessible future for all.
