Barcelona reinforces the bus line that crosses the city to have "a metro frequency"

BarcelonaTransforming the H12 bus line, which runs horizontally across Barcelona along Gran Via, into a line with virtually "metro-like frequency" is the next objective of Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB). The company has implemented a novel solution for the city: starting January 26, the H12 will receive a special reinforcement of eight additional buses on the central section of the line, between Plaça de les Glòries and Plaça Cerdà. "This is the part of the route with the highest demand," according to sources at the operator. This is one of the main measures included in the new Bus Agenda 2026-2030, which TMB presented this Thursday morning, and the one that will be implemented most quickly, within 15 days. This injection of buses on the central section of the line will reduce the frequency from the current 8 minutes to "5 minutes or less" and increase passenger capacity by 15%. Furthermore, the fact that there are more trains covering the same route and stops, but only on a specific section of the line, opens the door for TMB to consider other, more targeted improvements at the beginning and end, such as the line (which actually starts in Gornal and runs to Besòs Verneda) having double trains at more stations.

This reinforcement on the H12 follows the steps already taken on the V19. The difference is that on the V19 line the reinforcements are temporary—in summer—and on the H12 they will be structural, that is, permanent. "It's a very significant effort, a clear commitment." “And we’re doing this to provide an efficient response wherever there’s a need for service improvement,” said TMB President Laia Bonet during the presentation. “And, if it works, it can be replicated on other lines where there’s a similar situation,” she added. In the medium term, TMB is also considering using artificial intelligence on the H12—a key line in the orthogonal bus network with over 6.5 million validations per year—to have “automatic right-of-way” when approaching traffic lights, making it even faster. Although TMB doesn’t want to specify a date for the start of these trials yet, it notes that “the work is very advanced.” The traffic centers and the TMB control center are already connected, and now “the challenge is to make this traffic light priority compatible with the rest of the traffic ecosystem.” More express lines and more kilometers of bus lanes

The other major highlight of the new strategy through 2030 is the increase in express bus lines. The operator confirms that they plan to create "at least three more" during this term. These are fast lines, with few stops, that connect key points in the city or serve as access routes. "We will focus primarily on two main areas: Meridiana and Marina," Bonet stated. Among the more than 30 measures included in the new agenda are the creation of 12 more kilometers of bus lanes during this term (and putting another 12 under study), expanding the electric fleet to reduce emissions, and conducting a pilot program for "red lanes" for buses, similar to the one already implemented for bike lanes. This is a tactical measure, using road markings to indicate bus priority at complex intersections. However, TMB has not yet announced a start date for the trials or the specific streets where they will take place.

As the ARA reported, the 4 main access points to the city will also be rethought. (the northeast corridor of Vallès, the west of Baix Llobregat, the southwest of Castelldefels and Sitges, and the east of Maresme). TMB is committed to studying the locations for intermodal stations and new double bus lanes. Furthermore, during this term, 25 new buses will be added to the network's lines, and €8 million will be allocated to service improvements.