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Rodalies recovers key Barcelona routes and ends free passes on 8 May
Rail mobility in Barcelona enters a new phase. Rodalies de Catalunya recovers much of its usual connections this week after months of works, while the end of free passes, scheduled for 8 May, approaches. For thousands of travellers, the change will be immediate in their daily routine.
Among the main developments, the R15 line between Reus and Móra la Nova is operating again, and the R3 between Ripoll and Ribes de Freser is being progressively restored. The R4 has also recovered its full route between Sant Vicenç de Calders and Manresa, once again making direct journeys in the metropolitan area easier.
Even so, normality is not complete. Alternative plans remain in place on sections such as Ripoll-Puigcerdà and at the Garraf works, as well as scheduled closures such as that of the R13 between La Plana-Picamoixons and Sant Vicenç de Calders. Some of these works will continue until 2027, requiring users to remain alert to changes and replacement services.
The system is now operating at 96% of its capacity, a figure that has made it possible to withdraw the exceptional free-fare measure. From 9 May, travellers will have to pay for their journeys again, in a context where the service is improving but still coexists with incidents and works in progress.
The works form part of a plan to modernise key infrastructure, with particular attention to tunnels and strategic sections. The aim is to increase the reliability and capacity of a network essential for connecting Barcelona with its surroundings.
The impact of these changes goes beyond transport. The return to payment and progressive recovery of the service require people to reorganise travel budgets and times, in a network that remains fundamental for work, studies and everyday life in the metropolitan area.