Sensation: a new Barcelona railway route — a revolution in transport or a waste of money?

How 400 million euros will change the life of the inhabitants of Catalonia

The construction of a new railway canvas for terminal T1 of Barcelona Airport reached the finish line. 80% of the work has already been completedand the project budget exceeds 400 million euros. Financing was received from the European NEXTGENERATIONEU Foundation, and the completion of work is scheduled for the end of this year.

But is it worth expecting real changes? Or is this another example of bureaucratic wastefulness?

What has already been built and what awaits passengers?

The second stage of the project is now underway, which is allocated 64.1 million euros. The new route is long 5.2 km (of them 4.3 km underground) connect the T1 and T2 terminals with the railway station Sants. Travel time will be all 19 minutesand control will be controlled by FGC under the R-Aeroport brand.

The platforms are already ready, an electrician, security systems, and even a transplant to the metro station (Line 9) are summed up. According to forecasts, the annual passenger flow will reach 7-9 million people.

Why is it important for Barcelona?

Barcelona is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, but its transport infrastructure often does not have time for population growth. The new route can:

• Reduce traffic jams — Especially during the peak hours, when the airport and the Santts station are overloaded.
• Accelerate transplants — Now passengers will be able to pass faster between terminals and trains.
• Reduce the cost of tickets -How did this happen on the Madrid-Barselon line, where prices fell on 58% Thanks to competition.

A similar dynamics is observed on the Barcelona-Seville route: the passenger flow increased three times, and the cost of the trip decreased by 29%.

Who will benefit from the new route?

First of all Tourists and businessmenwho often use the airport and the station. But local residents will benefit:

• Students and office workers — They will get to work faster.
• Pensioners — They will be able to save on a taxi.
• Ecologists — Less cars = cleaner air.

But there are skeptics that doubt the effectiveness of the project. “400 million euros are a lot of money. I hope they will not go to the sand, as in the case of some other infrastructure projects in Spain «— says local resident Juan Carlos.

What next?

If everything goes according to plan, by the end of the year the new route will begin to work. But even if it opens, the question remains: Can he live up to expectations?

On the one hand, Barcelona really needs a modern transport system. On the other hand, history knows cases when expensive projects turned out to be unclaimed.

Your opinion

Are you for or against a new route? Share in the comments!

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FAQ

1. When will a new route open?

It is planned that by the end of 2024.

2. How much will the ticket cost?

Exact prices have not yet been declared, but it is expected that they will be competitive.

3. What will be the movement schedule?

Presumably, trains will walk every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.

4. Will there be access to the disabled?

Yes, the project provides for full adaptation for people with disabilities.

5. How will this affect taxi drivers?

Perhaps the demand for a taxi will decrease, but the final consequences are still unknown.

6. Are there any similar projects in other cities of Spain?

Yes, for example, in Madrid and Valencia, work is also underway to modernize transport infrastructure.

7. Who controls the quality of construction?

Supervision is carried out by the Ministry of Transport of Spain.

8. Will there be a free trial period?

So far there is no information, but such an opportunity is not excluded.

9. What will be the maximum speed of train?

About 80 km/h, which meets city standards.

10. Is it possible to look at the construction site now?

Yes, but it is better to clarify the relevant information on the airport website.