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Catalunya delays intercity bus reform until 2034: users will continue with decades-old routes
Intercity transport in Catalunya will continue operating under an outdated model for longer than expected. The Generalitat has decided to postpone the renewal of the bus route map until 2034, a measure that directly affects thousands of users who rely on these routes every day to work, study, or access basic services.
The original plan set 2028 as the turning point for modernising the network, but a decree law has extended the current concessions, in force since 2003 and based on arrangements designed in the 1960s and 1970s. Instead of a comprehensive reform, the Govern has opted for a 21-million-euro emergency plan focused solely on strengthening the most congested corridors.
The immediate consequence is clear: many routes will continue to operate with journeys poorly adapted to current reality. In a context where urban growth and new mobility habits have transformed the relationship between municipalities, users will continue to face irregular frequencies and inefficient journeys.
The delay creates uncertainty in the Barcelona metropolitan area and in other areas where the bus is key to daily connections. Without a clear timetable for reform, the modernisation of the system remains up in the air, at a time when public transport is fundamental to reducing emissions and improving quality of life.
The decision reflects a structural problem: when infrastructure does not evolve at the pace of the city, the impact is felt on every daily journey. The lack of updating not only limits the system’s efficiency, but also affects access to opportunities and services, especially in the territories most dependent on the bus.