Generalitat plan to double train passengers by 2040

Published on 2026-07-02 | Translated from Spanish

The Generalitat has unveiled its ambitious plan to double the number of train passengers in Catalonia by 2040. The improvements, which will begin in 2027, aim to make the train a real alternative to the car with frequencies of 15 or 30 minutes on key routes such as Tarragona, Reus and Tortosa, eliminating the need to pass through Barcelona to connect destinations.

modern high-speed train gliding through a curved viaduct near Tarragona at sunset, railway catenary wires and signal gantries visible, multiple train lines converging without passing through Barcelona, digital route map overlay on the train window showing connections to Reus and Tortosa, commuters boarding with bicycles and laptops, minimalist station platform with clear signage indicating 15-minute frequencies, photorealistic cinematic render, warm golden-hour lighting, clean architectural lines, dynamic motion blur on wheels, technical precision in rail infrastructure, panoramic landscape with Mediterranean hills in background

More frequencies and direct connections without passing through Barcelona 🚆

From a technical point of view, the plan involves a significant increase in capacity on the Rodalies and regional network. The acquisition of new electric rolling stock is planned for the lines of Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre. Direct connections between cities such as Reus and Tortosa, without a transfer in the Catalan capital, require an improvement in signaling and electrification systems, allowing a higher density of traffic without affecting punctuality.

A train every 15 minutes: ideal for never arriving on time 😅

The promise of having a train every quarter of an hour sounds like heavenly music to the average user, who is used to waiting 45 minutes and then the train arrives late due to a breakdown. Now, instead of waiting for a train that never comes, we can wait for two that pass by. But hey, at least we'll have more options to choose which one gets stuck between Reus and Tarragona.