The Rodalies train service continues to be suspended early on Thursday, January 22, including the affected R8 line that runs through Sant Cugat del Vallès. While Renfe attributes the stoppage to "operational causes," the drivers' unions maintain their stance of not resuming work until they receive written guarantees from Adif regarding adopted safety measures.
This situation occurs despite the Generalitat de Catalunya having previously announced that the service would gradually recover during the morning. The total network stoppage began on Wednesday, January 21, following a fatal train accident in Gelida.
The Government of the Generalitat reacted by announcing the opening of a file against Renfe for refusing to provide the service, even though Adif has assured that "safety is guaranteed." The commissioner for the transfer of Rodalies, Pere Macias, reported the decision in a press conference, emphasizing that Renfe is not fulfilling its obligation.
“"We cannot tolerate this, because safety is being guaranteed and the right to mobility of thousands of citizens in Catalonia is being affected."
The Catalan executive has called an urgent meeting with Renfe, the unions, and Adif to demand an immediate end to the stoppage, which it considers "intolerable." Macias stressed that accountability will be demanded from those responsible.
As palliative measures, the Low Emission Zones (ZBE) have been temporarily canceled in the municipalities of the Barcelona metropolitan area. Furthermore, the frequency of service has been increased on the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, which are operating normally.
