President Illa wants an innovative Rodalies with the best
Imagine a Rodalies that is not just a name change, but a real leap in quality. President Illa insists that the new mixed company of Rodalies de Catalunya will be innovative, cutting-edge, and staffed with the best professionals, because it is not about boasting but about doing things well in service of the people.
The establishment of this new company represents a key step toward building closer and more modern management, ensuring the best experience for users and workers, with a well-planned and stable transfer.
Presentation and objectives of the new mixed company Rodalies de Catalunya SME, SA
A paradigm shift for Rodalies
The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, together with Minister Óscar Puente, have given the green light to the mixed company that will be in charge of suburban and regional services in Catalonia. This is not a simple reformulation, but a paradigm shift that bets on professionalization, proximity, and modernization.
According to Illa, the goal is clear: it is not about believing oneself better than anyone else but about managing from proximity, with political and operational leadership under the Generalitat, coordinated with Renfe.
Signing of the agreement and stable framework
Councilor Sílvia Paneque and Renfe president Álvaro Fernández have signed an agreement that formalizes the constitution of Rodalies de Catalunya SME, SA. This company will consolidate the planning and governance of the railway service in Catalonia, continuing the process started over a decade ago.
The initial share capital amounts to 2 million euros, divided nearly equally between the Generalitat (49.9%) and Renfe (50.1%).
Structure and governance of the new operator
Board of Directors and representation
The Board of Directors will have nine members: five appointed by the Generalitat and four by Renfe Viajeros. Councilor Sílvia Paneque will chair the company, while Òscar Playà, a figure with experience in public transport in Barcelona, will assume the role of CEO.
This configuration seeks to balance professional management with a strong Catalan territorial and political connection.
Strategic Plan and operational areas
The Strategic and Business Plan will define how the new company will be organized into three main areas: railway operation, facilities, and customer service. In addition, a joint body will be created for the training of drivers with the center in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat as a reference.
Transfer of lines and future of the Catalan railway service
First transfers and orderly transition
The first step in the transfer is the Maresme line, which will be incorporated into the Generalitat's railway system safely thanks to a management mandate to ADIF. Subsequently, the lines of Puigcerdà, Garraf, and Manresa are planned to be incorporated.
The new company ensures an orderly and stable transition that protects both labor rights and service quality.
A model that strengthens planning and coordination
The constitution of Rodalies de Catalunya SME, SA strengthens the Generalitat's capacity to plan and supervise the railway service, maintaining close coordination with Renfe and ADIF to ensure the transition is safe and effective.
The goal is clear: a more integrated public transport system adapted to the real needs of Catalan citizens.
This project is not just paper on water but the basis for a future where Rodalies stops being the service that many neighbors look at with resignation and becomes a commitment to real innovation and quality.
Source of the article: Govern.cat
