New Transportation Era: Rodalies de Catalunya Set to Revolutionize Services by 2026
On Thursday, the central government and the Generalitat made an official announcement regarding the establishment of the new mixed company, Rodalies de Catalunya, which is slated to begin operations in 2026. This development aligns with the deadlines outlined in the transfer agreement signed with ERC, marking a significant milestone in regional transportation governance. During a press conference, José Antonio Santano, Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, along with Minister of Territory Sílvia Paneque, emphasized the importance of this agreement. It signifies a shift in management that grants the Generalitat a vital role in overseeing rail services which have historically been dominated by state operators. Under the new governance structure, 501 shares of Rodalies de Catalunya will be held by Renfe Viajeros, while the Generalitat will possess 499 shares. However, this framework is designed to evolve, allowing for potential changes in ownership to give the Generalitat a majority stake, though a specific timeline for this transition has not been established. The current structure reflects a shared governance model, with the board of directors comprising nine members—five appointed by the Generalitat and four by Renfe. Notably, one of the seats allocated to Renfe will represent workers’ legal interests, ensuring that employee perspectives are included in decision-making processes. Santano affirmed the integral nature of this transfer, stating that it's not merely a reduction of Renfe’s oversight, but a redefinition of its role which prioritizes a more regionally sensitive management model. He dismissed claims that the newly formed Rodalies de Catalunya is simply a subsidiary of Renfe, reinforcing that such an arrangement would have resulted in a different operational framework altogether. Additionally, Minister Paneque highlighted the framework's potential for significantly enhancing the Rodalies service by making it more responsive to local needs. She acknowledged the pivotal role played by ERC in shaping this agreement, emphasizing the importance of political negotiations that made this initiative possible. As discussions continue about shifting shareholding dynamics, the Generalitat has the opportunity to negotiate for a majority without a fixed deadline, provided a mutual agreement is reached involving both administrations and worker representatives. The timeline for this transition includes several crucial milestones. The Renfe Board of Directors is anticipated to approve the company's formation by June, with the proposal reaching the Council of Ministers by the following month. Subsequently, the Executiu Council of the Generalitat must also validate its ownership stake in the new enterprise. By December 2025, the formalization of the company and its board members is expected to be completed, leading to organizational activities involving licensing and permits commencing in 2026. This initiative represents a pivotal moment for the future of regional rail transport in Catalonia, as Rodalies de Catalunya is positioned to take over from Renfe Viajeros, inheriting both the rights and obligations associated with the service. Stakeholders are optimistic that this strategic shift will not only enhance operational efficiency but also foster a closer connection between regional governance and public transport services.
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