Catalonia targets full restoration of Rodalies rail service by early next week

The government expects to fully restore the Rodalies commuter rail network "between the end of this week and the beginning of the next," spokesperson Sílvia Paneque said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference after the Catalan executive's weekly cabinet meeting, Paneque – who is also the territory minister – said the reopening of the entire system would still leave around 70 sections of track subject to speed restrictions "linked to emergency inspections." She described those limits as "compatible with commercial operations."

Of those roughly 70 restricted sections, Paneque said, "half can be reviewed and removed over the next two weeks," while the remainder will be assessed during the month of March.

The timetable for restoring normal Rodalies services excludes sections of the R3 and R15 lines, where works scheduled before the current crisis are still under way.

Service operating at 80% scheduled capacity

The Rodalies commuter rail service was operating this Tuesday at 80% of its scheduled service, Renfe, Spain's national, state-owned railway company, told the Catalan News Agency. 

The company blamed the withdrawal of Monday’s strike for the "disruptions" at the start of service on all lines. 

The strike was suspended on its first day, after the main unions – CCOO, UGT and Semaf – reached an agreement with Spain's Ministry of Transport, covering staffing, safety, and investment.

In light of these disruptions, some trains have been canceled, and the impact is particularly noticeable on the R2 south lines. 

Meanwhile, other lines are operating with some sections closed completely, instead serviced by buses. This is the case on the R1, R15, R4, RL4, R7, R8, and R3.

Rodalies commuter trains are expected to resume full capacity by April 2026, after running with reduced service and major disruptions following the fatal derailment in Gelida on January 20. 

Smaller crowds and delays at Sants

Due to Monday's strike, travelers have not only experienced delays but also less crowded trains. 

Passengers reported that trains were emptier than usual and expressed frustration over the disruptions.

"We arrived half an hour late, and it is like this every day. We’re used to it, and we keep waiting for a solution that never comes," said Anna from Cunit, south of Barcelona, on the coastal line.

Passengers continue to criticize the lack of station information. Natalia, boarding at Cardedeu, north of Barcelona, said the train "just showed up" without announcement. 

"For once, I got to work early. Normally I stand, but today the train was empty – I think people did not know the strike had been called off," she said.