Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain – Barcelona’s City Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest 12 million euros in the construction of 20 new intercity bus stops by 2028. This strategic move aims to address the increasing number of intercity bus users, which has now surpassed rail transport, and to enhance the quality of public spaces currently used for these stops.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Intercity Bus Travel
The announcement was made by the First Deputy Mayor, Laia Bonet, who emphasized the need for Barcelona to play an active role in improving intercity mobility. Bonet highlighted that intercity buses are now the primary mode of public transport for commuters entering and leaving Barcelona. This surge in usage, partly attributed to the ongoing Rodalies rail crisis, has led to approximately 7,000 buses operating daily in and out of the city.
Currently, most passenger pick-up and drop-off points are located directly on sidewalks, lacking proper infrastructure. This often results in crowded public spaces, particularly in areas like Meridiana and Gran Via, where dozens of people wait for buses at simple street signs.
A Comprehensive Plan for Enhanced User Experience
The municipal plan outlines a series of improvements for these new and existing stops. The 12 million euro investment will be allocated to small-scale accessibility interventions, which are still in the design phase. These improvements will include the installation of benches, waste bins, and public restrooms, transforming basic stops into more functional and comfortable waiting areas. The City Council anticipates that project designs will be finalized and approved between 2026 and 2027, with construction scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
Key aspects of the planned interventions include:
- Reviewing accessible routes to bus shelters and pedestrian crossings.
- Paving tree pits and sidewalks.
- Installing new street furniture, such as benches, chairs, and waste bins.
- Incorporating shading and shelter systems.
- Improving vertical and horizontal signage.
- Installing information points and public restrooms where feasible.
Strategic Locations and Future Expansion
The City Council has identified several high-traffic areas where these improvements are most needed. Daily, between 10,000 and 20,000 users converge at certain points in the city. The highest concentration, reaching 20,000 daily users, is observed in the upper part of Diagonal Avenue, between Francesc Macià and Zona Universitària. Other busy locations include other sections of Diagonal Avenue, Fabra i Puig, the vicinity of Plaça d’Espanya, and the central area of Gran Via.
While there are currently no underground stations in these areas, the City Council, in collaboration with the Generalitat, plans to construct them in Plaça d’Espanya, Diagonal, and Sagrera in the future.
In addition to creating new stops, the plan also involves:
- Remodeling and updating existing bus stations at Sants and Fabra i Puig, complementing ongoing work at Estació del Nord.
- Developing projects to organize and improve existing stops in key central areas such as Plaça d’Espanya, the three main points of upper Diagonal (Francesc Macià, Maria Cristina, and Zona Universitària), the city center (Urquinaona, Catalunya, and Universitat), Glòries, Tetuan, and the Sagrera-Meridiana corridor.
The third line of action focuses on creating entirely new stop points to alleviate congestion and reduce the impact on public spaces. These new locations will be strategically placed near metro stations, TMB bus routes, or tram lines. Potential new sites include the entrance to Barcelona via Gran Via Sur, around Pius XII and the L’Illa shopping center in the Diagonal area, between Sagrera and El Clot in the Meridiana corridor, and between Glòries and Tetuan in the Gran Via Norte area.
City’s Commitment Despite Jurisdictional Boundaries
Laia Bonet affirmed that Barcelona needs to have an active role in shaping intercity mobility and managing its impact on the city and its users. She stated, “Barcelona wants to contribute to improving mobility within the city and also that coming from outside.” Bonet emphasized that even though intercity transport falls under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona and the Generalitat, the issue of people occupying public spaces is a municipal concern that the City Council cannot ignore.
This initiative underscores Barcelona’s commitment to creating a more efficient, comfortable, and accessible public transport network for all its residents and visitors.
Source: https://elpais.com/espana/catalunya/2026-04-29/barcelona-construira-20-paradas-de-bus-interurbano-por-el-aumento-de-usuarios.html
