What will change in Barcelona and Catalunya in 2026: new rules and key projects

In transport, public transport will introduce new fares from January. Integrated tickets will rise by an average of around 3.5%, although the 50% discounts on key season tickets such as the T-usual and T-jove will remain, at a public cost of more than 250 million euros. In addition, the nationwide single ticket, costing 60 euros per month —30 for those under 26—, will come into operation, allowing travel on Rodalies and medium-distance services, although it will not include the metro or urban buses. At the same time, work will continue on major infrastructure projects such as La Sagrera station and the definitive transformation of traffic-calmed streets in neighbourhoods such as Sant Antoni.

Housing will be one of the year's main focuses. In 2026, Casa 47, the new state housing body, will begin operating, managing at least 13,000 affordable rental homes with contracts of up to 75 years for middle incomes of between 1,200 and 4,500 euros per month. In Catalonia, public housing developments will also be strengthened and rent-price caps will remain in high-pressure areas.

In education, the Govern will begin the gradual restoration of school canteens in secondary schools of high and maximum complexity, with planned investment of 15 million euros, a key measure against child poverty after more than a decade without this service in much of compulsory secondary education.

In public space, Barcelona's new civic conduct bylaw will come into force, with higher fines for urinating in the street, doing graffiti or drinking alcohol in public, changes to early-payment discounts and improvements in collection, especially from tourists. At the same time, alternatives to penalties will be promoted for young people and vulnerable people.

The year will also be marked by innovation and sustainability projects: new recycling services, progress on the Ciutadella del Conocimiento, investment in science and a growing commitment to the circular economy and waste reduction.

With this 2026 full of tangible changes, we at DondeGo would like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year. Thank you for being with us, for reading us and for continuing to discover the city with us. May the new year bring good news and even better plans.