Public transport services in Catalonia often present unique characteristics, but the Sagalés 720 line, linking the towns of Artés and Vic, takes the prize. This route only makes two annual journeys, a reality highlighted by Toni Clapés's Versió RAC1 program.
The first of the two annual trips took place last Saturday. Those wishing to experience this peculiarity will have to wait until December, when the second and final journey of the year will be made, always on the Saturday before Christmas. The reason for such limited frequency is not clear to many users.
“"To get to Artés, at a quarter past eight in the morning I had to catch the second train going to Manresa, I had five minutes to transfer and catch the bus going to Artés, and then three minutes to catch the bus going to Vic. If you miss it, you have to wait until December."
Pol Méndez, a technician from the Public Transport Promotion (PTP) entity, was one of the passengers on this first annual trip. He described the complexity of connecting to the 720 line on time, emphasizing the lack of alternatives if one missed it. Méndez, accompanied by six colleagues, some arriving from Madrid and Valencia, confirmed that the coach is modern and completed the journey to Vic in less time than expected, although the return to Artés is quick, limiting the visit.
According to Méndez, this situation 'is absurd' and likely due to concession issues. He argues that companies are obliged by the administration to make a minimum number of annual circulations to maintain their concession and prevent it from passing to competitors. However, the Department of Territory, regarding concessions, maintains that the line is kept for traditional reasons. In fact, one of the last decisions by Jordi Pujol's government in 2003 was to extend this concessionary service for 25 years.
