The lack of trains and informational confusion have severely tested the patience of commuters, who have been suffering constant disruptions to the rail service for two weeks. The disorder has affected both the Rodalies service, vital for daily mobility, and high-speed rail, leaving the country nearly cut off beyond the Ebro river. At Sants station, Catalonia's main railway hub, the situation was one of total resignation.
“"Nobody knows how to inform you, the application doesn't work, and we don't know when we will arrive or if we will arrive. We are a country of tambourines."
Many users have reported a lack of reliable information. In Girona, a high-speed traveler, Francisco Barranco, gave up trying to catch his train, noting that applications were failing and no one could offer precise data on arrivals or departures. This uncertainty has been particularly stressful for students like Perla, who travels from Girona to Barcelona for university and often has to skip classes due to the unpredictability of the service.
“"You arrive late to work, and it's not your fault, nor the employer's, but you have to stay longer to make up the hours…"
Another recurring problem is the disappearance of scheduled trains. On the R1 line, one of the most affected, users complained that no train had passed towards Arenys early in the morning, despite a 66% service level being announced. In Lleida, the Avant scheduled for 7:05 AM, listed as a minimum service, was canceled because the driver failed to show up, forcing travelers to seek alternatives like driving, according to professor Marina Bernal.
