End of Discounts on Public Transport: What You Need to Know
Starting this Thursday, January 23, the discounts on public transport previously provided by the Government throughout 2024 will come to an end. This decision follows the rejection by political parties Vox, Junts, and the PP of the Government's omnibus decree. Consequently, this change also affects the revaluation of pensions and additional assistance for those impacted by the DANA (a weather event) that occurred in October.
From tomorrow, recurring passes for Renfe services will no longer be purchasable. In the past year, regular users of Cercanías, Media Distancia, and state buses have benefited from free transport services, which will cease with this new policy. Avant trains, which previously featured a 50% discount, will revert to their full prices as well.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente has clarified that any tickets purchased until Wednesday will still remain valid, allowing users to benefit from free travel for those specific passes. However, starting Thursday, individuals will have to pay the full fare according to the existing rates prior to this discount policy.
Currently, autonomous communities are evaluating their options regarding public transport discounts. They may choose to maintain some forms of discounts, eliminate them entirely from the onset, or wait for further directives from the Government regarding possible extensions.
In particular, the administration in Barcelona has taken a proactive approach. Sources indicate that the tickets managed by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM), such as TUsual and TJove cards, will maintain a 50% discount. Previously, this discount was partially funded, with 30% covered by the Government and 20% by the Generalitat (the regional government of Catalonia).
With the state contribution suspended, it now falls to the Generalitat to decide whether to fully absorb the discount or reduce the bonuses for these transport cards. Thus far, the government led by Salvador Illa has not disclosed its decision-making process. However, indications suggest that users of TJove and TUsual will likely still be able to load their passes at last month’s prices.
As the transition takes effect, users are encouraged to stay informed about their local transport policies and any adjustments that may arise in response to the shift in government funding and support.
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