The Commuter Mess

Perhaps the topic of this opinion piece was predictable, but certain behaviors never cease to surprise. The commuter train system hasn't been working well for many years, and unfortunately, that wasn't news. But now, in the wake of the latest construction work on the Roda Tunnel, shuttle buses, delays, overhead lines, fed-up passengers getting off the train, strikes, and now, ridership protests, it's starting to become unspeakable.

Society is fed up with seeing people take risks taking trains without knowing whether they'll get to work on time or not. Many people choose to take their cars (if they have one) and encounter traffic jams entering the different capitals. That's not even considering that between finding parking, taking the Garraf tunnels, and buying gasoline, the trip will cost them an arm and a leg. Of course, we must be sustainable and not take the car. Of course, since the commuter train works so well...

Faced with this situation, what do politicians do? Throw shit at each other. But, be careful, don't be fooled. All political parties bear their share of responsibility. It's been over twenty years since any investment has been made in the commuter train, and logically, if small improvements aren't made, everything will eventually fall apart. But there have been many governments in twenty years, and no one has invested as needed. This is what we're paying for now; let's remember that when they try to sell us another narrative.