The transport company Moventis Sarfa is facing the summer season with a significant reinforcement of its fleet and frequencies to respond to the rise in mobility on the Costa Brava. The company plans to operate between 500 and 700 daily services during the busiest months, with a special focus on connections between Barcelona, Girona, and the main tourist hubs on the coast, as well as internal links between urban centers and beaches.
According to Christian Busquets, the company's manager since January 1st, the months of June to September account for approximately half of the annual passengers. The forecast for 2026 is to reach 3.5 million passengers, following a previous year with 11.5 million kilometers traveled. The summer operation includes an intensive service between Barcelona and towns like Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar, with frequencies of 10 to 15 minutes, which Busquets compares to an urban connection due to its intensity.
The connection between Girona and the Costa Brava is also being reinforced, serving both daily commutes and weekend trips. Corridors with high seasonal pressure, such as the one connecting Figueres and Roses, will also see a notable increase in passengers during the summer.
Mobility within tourist municipalities is another key focus. Moventis Sarfa is expanding routes and services to facilitate travel between urban centers and beaches in locations like Palafrugell (with connections to Calella, Llafranc, and Tamariu) and Calonge i Sant Antoni, addressing the needs of residents and visitors without private vehicles.
In addition to regular services, tourist experiences are offered, such as a small tourist train and a convertible bus in Palamós, designed for both visitors and locals wanting to rediscover the municipality.
Busquets highlights that the growing demand for public transport is due to factors like population growth and a generational shift where driving licenses are no longer a priority for many young people. The main challenge of the summer is managing demand peaks, particularly on Fridays heading to the coast and Sundays returning home.
The company utilizes its usual fleet of around 130 vehicles, with occasional support from other group companies. With 232 employees and operations based in l'Esclanyà (Begur), Moventis Sarfa is also working on emission reduction, digitalization, and demand flexibility, as demonstrated by the on-demand bus service in Bisbal d’Empordà.
At the end of the season, a review will be conducted based on quantitative and qualitative indicators, aiming to listen to the region and adapt services to changing mobility needs.
