The train coming from Barcelona arrived at Tortosa station at eleven in the morning more than 50 minutes late, according to the ACN agency. This schedule failure caused a further three-quarter-hour postponement of the train's departure back towards the Catalan capital, leading many regular users to choose alternatives such as buses or cars.
“"It is better to arrive late and safe than for something to happen"
This collapse situation is part of a series of recent incidents, including the Gelida accident and the high-speed accident in Adamuz (Córdoba), in addition to a catenary fire in Tortosa and a breakdown on the R-15 line between Flix and Ascó. The resumption follows the refusal of train drivers to operate until safety guarantees were met.
“"We have hit rock bottom. Therefore, once we hit rock bottom, things must start to improve because we have had some very complicated days here in the Terres de l'Ebre"
The spokesperson for Trens i Transports Dignes, Cinta Galiana, regretted that the R-15 line, connecting Ribera d'Ebre and Priorat with Barcelona, is still without trains and relies exclusively on buses provided by Renfe. Galiana stressed that this is the “most conflictive line with the most problems in Catalonia,” adding that users feel like “third-class Catalans.”
Users also criticize that the improvement announcements by the Government, such as the Avant service to Barcelona, do not meet their needs, as they do not allow arrival in the capital before eight in the morning. Galiana insisted on the need for “more investment” in maintenance, renewal of rolling stock, and expansion of services and frequencies.
