Falset and Móra la Nova Councils Demand Information on R15 Line

Mayors express uncertainty and disdain over the lack of communication regarding the resumption of train services.

Image of a train track with temporary speed limit signs and a station in the background.
IA

Image of a train track with temporary speed limit signs and a station in the background.

The councils of Falset and Móra la Nova have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of official information regarding the resumption of the R15 train service, which has been interrupted since late January due to infrastructure deficiencies.

The mayors of Falset and Móra la Nova have conveyed their frustration to the ACN regarding the lack of communication about the R15 line, which connects the inland regions of Tarragona with Barcelona. The service has been suspended since late January due to problems in the section between Riba-roja d'Ebre and Reus. Municipal representatives feel disregarded and have announced the formation of a common front to demand immediate solutions that guarantee citizen mobility.

"We have no official news whatsoever, not a single one."

Carlos Brull · Mayor of Falset
Jesús Àlvarez, mayor of Móra la Nova, added that they do not know "neither the deadlines for the works nor their current phase." He emphasized that for almost three months, users have not had access to trains to travel to cities like Barcelona, Reus, or Tarragona, having to rely on buses, which entails significant "odysseys" and long journeys. He recalled that travelers must transfer by bus to Reus, then take a train to Sant Vicenç de Calders, and another bus to reach Barcelona.
The situation creates "uncertainty" and does not help combat depopulation, according to Brull. He highlighted that citizens cannot afford to waste hours on commutes and that the R15 line is the only rail connection for the regions of Priorat, Terra Alta, and Ribera d'Ebre, which have been warning about its "poor maintenance" for decades. Àlvarez expressed concern about reaching a "point of no return," despite being "understanding" about the need for improvement works.
The alternative road services offered by Renfe are considered insufficient by Falset. Although coaches allow travel during the week, there are no alternatives on Sundays. Therefore, the council hired a bus, the cost of which was later assumed by the Department of Territory. This bus, which departs from Falset at 6:00 PM, stops in Reus and Tarragona, and arrives in Barcelona at 8:45 PM, is free and always full.
In Móra la Nova, the degradation of the station's surroundings has forced users to move to Plaça Sant Jordi. The council has had to intervene to clean the area, despite difficulties in obtaining authorizations. Mayor Àlvarez lamented the state of the station and recalled that in the past there were many more train frequencies, whereas now "it takes as long to go to Reus as it did with steam engines."
Àlvarez announced the creation of an institutional front with mayors from Ribera d'Ebre, Terra Alta, and Priorat to defend the interests of their inhabitants and demand information on the return date of trains, the deadlines for the works, and the ongoing efforts.
Adif has indicated that the track is open to freight traffic, but with temporary speed limitations. Currently, nineteen sections between Riba-roja d'Ebre and Reus, totaling 20.2 kilometers, must be traveled at 30 km/h. This situation, which began in late January and peaked in February, led Renfe drivers to refuse to operate with passengers due to the slow service. Renfe is awaiting the completion of the works to resume service with guarantees.
Sources from Adif have specified that the works focus on repairing embankments and slopes in four sectors. Regarding completion, they referred to the statements made by the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, in the Senate on April 7, where he assured that all speed limitations caused by storm Harry in late January would be removed by June.