The spokesperson for the Platform for the Promotion of Public Transport (PTP) has defined the Commuter Rail crisis as the moment when “all the sins have come out,” a situation reflecting the lack of investment and maintenance. The organization points out that, while in Catalonia there is “certain willingness,” the administration's response is characterized by “impotence” given the seriousness of the problems.
“"In <b>Madrid</b>, what happens is that the <b>Commuter Rail</b> problem is far away for them; they don't have the banners at their door."
The PTP seeks to mobilize citizens to force political decisions that drive a radical change in railway management. The train is considered a key element for social equality, the environmental fight, and the economic development of Catalonia, and the current situation is described as dramatic.
The crisis, accelerated by factors such as a major storm, has revealed more than 600 pending revisions, thirty critical points, and 150 sections with speed limitations. These indicators demonstrate the “highly vulnerable” state of the network, which has affected safety and led to the loss of human lives. The organization assures that user confidence in Commuter Rail has been declining for a long time, as it is the only public transport system in Catalonia that is losing users.
“"We don't want scapegoats, what we want are real changes."
To restore confidence, the PTP insists that the next step must be the transfer of part of the infrastructure to the Generalitat. Meanwhile, it is necessary to pressure the Government, the opposition, and the media to achieve real changes and prevent risk points from becoming chronic.
