The new society, majority owned by Renfe (50.1%) and the Generalitat (49.9%), will not become operational for another year. In the Lleida area, it will be responsible for managing the regional coastal lines, as the Pobla line already depends on FGC, which will also take over the Manresa line this summer.
Although the creation of this body grants real decision-making power to Catalonia, this will be of little use if what it has to manage is the current misery in terms of equipment.
The Rodalies lines in Barcelona and those connecting Lleida with the Catalan capital suffer continuous incidents. These deficiencies are due both to rolling stock, the responsibility of Renfe, and track infrastructure, which depends on Adif, making large, swift investment imperative. Improvements are also demanded for the Avant service, including increased frequency and more affordable season tickets.
In parallel, the Education department proposed that the next school year begin on September 8th for Infant, Primary, ESO, Baccalaureate, and basic vocational training. Intermediate and higher-grade cycles will start on September 14th.
This proposal has generated criticism from most centers and unions, who argue that the early start does not allow enough time for preparation, as a significant portion of the teaching staff does not join until September 1st. All involved parties—the Government, schools, unions, and families—must seek consensus to improve the general educational level.
