If you were late for work this morning and your excuse was, once again, that “the train stopped,” know that you are absolutely right. Last week’s railway déjà vu struck Barcelona again on Tuesday with two total system failures that were very reminiscent of the chaos experienced just a week ago. The culprit has a technical name: the Centralized Traffic Control Center (CTC) at Estación de Francia, which seems to have set out to test our patience.
The first interruption occurred at 7:10 a.m., bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Just when things seemed to be getting back on track, a second failure at 8:00 a.m. left the panels blank once again. Although Adif reported the incident as resolved shortly thereafter, the domino effect was already underway, causing delays that would continue throughout the day on a network that was already struggling.
The “patch” that didn’t hold up
The most curious thing about this new episode is that the malfunction is not exactly new. According to the Ministry of Transport, the problem lies in “state-of-the-art” software installed just three months ago. It is supposed to be the most modern system in Europe, designed to manage the signaling of the future, but so far the only thing it has successfully managed is crowds of people waiting on the platforms at Sants.
Last week, a software patch was applied to try to contain these errors which, according to technicians, automatically shut down the service for safety reasons when they detect a fault. However, the patch was not enough to prevent the system from “crashing” again, highlighting the fragility of an infrastructure that is still awaiting standardization that has yet to arrive.
Impact on AVE trains
The railway crisis is not only affecting commuter trains; high-speed trains are also beginning to feel the consequences of this urgent need to repair the tracks. At the direct request of Adif, the last AVE trains of the day between Barcelona and Madrid were canceled yesterday. Specifically, the trains that left the capital yesterday at 8:27 p.m. and 9:07 p.m., as well as those that left Barcelona at 9:05 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., were canceled .
This measure, which affects all operators equally, responds to a request from Adif to gain time during the early hours of the morning. The aim was to extend the night-time maintenance window and try to stabilize a system that seems to be crying out for mercy. In the meantime, users will have to continue checking the Renfe app before leaving home and crossing their fingers that the next “train of the future” does not remain stuck in the past.
Service status: Which lines are running today?
So you’re not caught off guard, here’s a map showing the lines most affected by breakdowns and ongoing works:
- R1: There are trains between L’Hospitalet and Blanes, but with speed restrictions. To get to Maçanet-Massanes, you have to get off at Blanes and take the alternative bus.
- R2 South: Two trains per hour are running in each direction, stopping at all stations, although with delays. Between Sant Vicenç de Calders and Vinaixa, the route is by road.
- R3: Due to construction, service between L’Hospitalet and La Garriga has been modified until May. In addition, between Fabra i Puig and Puigcerdà, alternative service is provided by road.
- R4: There are trains between L’Hospitalet and Fabra i Puig, and also between Martorell and Terrassa Estació del Nord, but be prepared for speed restrictions. The Sant Vicenç – Sant Sadurní and Terrassa – Manresa sections are operated by buses.
- R7: Service is interrupted due to construction at Montcada Bifurcació until May. There are buses between Cerdanyola del Vallès and the University (UAB).
- R8: Alternative road service between Martorell Central and Mollet-Sant Fost.
- R11: Rail service between Barcelona and Portbou is maintained with speed restrictions, although there is a bus service between Figueres and Portbou.
- R12: Trains between Lleida and Cervera. From Cervera to Terrassa Nord, the entire journey is by bus.
- R13, R14, R15, R16, and R17: These lines operate by rail from Estació de França to Reus or Sant Vicenç (depending on the line), but the inland sections (Vinaixa/Riba-Roja) require a transfer by road.
Rodalies free for a month
To alleviate this chaos, Rodalies has been operating free of charge for a few days now. In our article, we explain how to get your money back or get free tickets.