Transfer of Rodalies rail control to Catalonia 'going well', Spanish transport minister says
No date yet fixed to conclude "complex" operation but Óscar Puente assures Madrid "will comply"
Spain's transport minister has assured that the transfer of powers over the Rodalies commuter rail network from Spain to Catalonia "is going well."
Speaking at a breakfast event in Madrid on Monday morning, Óscar Puente said that "several work commissions have been set up to analyze legal, technical and economic aspects," of the transfer, and that work is ongoing.
He ruled out giving a date for when the transfer will take effect.
"It's not a simple operation, it's very complex," he said, "and it takes time" because a public-private partnership needs to be set up.
"The issue is complex, but we have reached this agreement in good faith, and we will comply with it," the transport minister said.
Meanwhile, regarding Catalonia's request for financial allocation, Puente said: "everyone wants the keys in their hand and the money, that's how it is."
Rodalies transfer
Handing over management of Rodalies has been a long-standing demand for pro-independence parties, and Esquerra Republicana (ERC) included it as one of their requirements in the post-electoral negotiations to re-elect Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez as Spanish prime minister.
ERC reached a deal with Spain's Socialists in November for a "comprehensive transfer" of the rail network, including tracks, trains and resources.
A political commission to oversee the process was set up in February.