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Rodalies will remain free in Barcelona for two more weeks because of works and delays
Renfe’s free pass is extended until 31 March. Works in the Garraf tunnels make mobility even more difficult. Users will not have to complete any procedure to benefit. The Generalitat and Adif will decide in April whether to extend the measure.
Travelling by train in Barcelona and its metropolitan area will remain free for two more weeks: the free travel, which was due to end on 15 March, has been extended until 31 March because delays and incidents on Rodalies persist. The decision responds to the lack of normality on the network, which prevents fares from being charged again. It coincides with the start of key works in the Garraf tunnels from 16 March, which will affect the frequency of the R2 Sud and regional services towards Tarragona and Sant Vicenç de Calders. To mitigate the impact, interurban buses are being reinforced and a road shuttle service between El Prat de Llobregat and Sant Vicenç is being activated.
Keeping tickets free acts as compensation for users, who face longer and more unpredictable journeys; charging fares in these conditions would be difficult to justify. For holders of Rodalies, Media Distancia or Regionales de Cataluña season tickets, the extension is automatic, with no formalities.
During these two weeks, the Generalitat and Adif will continue monitoring the network to decide about April. Regular users gain time while the infrastructure attempts to stabilise.
Rodalies, key to the daily mobility of hundreds of thousands of people in Catalonia, is suffering disruptions from modernisation works such as those in Garraf, which affect punctuality and frequency.