New Rodalies tariffs take effect, ending free commuter travel

The new fares for the Rodalies commuter rail service in Catalonia come into effect this Tuesday, officially ending the free travel scheme that had been in place since 2022. 

In response to soaring inflation and the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine, the Spanish government introduced free Rodalies travel for regular commuters three years ago, a measure that now has come to an end.

Starting July 1, commuters in the Barcelona metropolitan area will be able to purchase a monthly pass offering unlimited trips for €20.

Tickets have been available since last week and can be used starting Tuesday. To purchase one, users must provide a valid ID or passport and a phone number. 

For regional trains, used by those traveling outside the Barcelona area, prices will be higher and calculated based on distance.

However, the Spanish government will continue to subsidize 60% of the cost for these tickets. 

There has been criticism regarding the limited scope of the new monthly passes because they only apply to the Barcelona commuter zone and exclude other Catalan capitals, such as Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida.

The Spanish government clarified that the €20 flat rate only applies to Barcelona’s metropolitan area and that, “in no case” will it be extended to other cities. 

As a result, passengers traveling from outside Barcelona must pay higher fares based on zones and distance, which has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among travelers outside the capital.

Another common complaint is the sharp price differences between stations separated by just a few kilometers. 

Frustration over new tariffs

Rodalies users expressed widespread dissatisfaction on Monday as the new fare system came into effect across Catalonia. 

At Sants Station in Barcelona, Victoria Serrano criticized the price, saying it "does not match the service it gives." 

Echoing that sentiment, Javi Rodríguez, who boarded the train in Caldes de Malavella near Girona, said he would be willing to pay the new fare "if the trains arrived on time." 

"Yesterday, I waited all day at the station because of an accident. If the trains worked properly, I’d be happy to pay. But not under these circumstances," he added. 

Another frustrated user at Sants Station pointed out that ticket machines were out of service during one of the busiest days for commuters needing to update their passes. 

"Of the ten ticket machines here, only one worked today, the first day with the new tariffs. It's absolutely ridiculous," said David. 

Some passengers, however, viewed the changes more positively. José Luis Párraga, who commutes from Castellbisbal to Barcelona, said the new flat-rate fare was "reasonable." 

But for those living outside the Barcelona metropolitan area, who now face higher distance-based fares, the sentiment was different. 

"I think it's awful. People in Barcelona always get more; everything is centralized. Those of us who live further out are left behind. It's frustrating," said Anna, also boarding in Caldes de Malavella.