The Catalan government plans to reopen all pending commuter rail lines between this week and next.

After days of chaos on the commuter rail network, the Catalan government assures that the entire service will be fully reopened between this week and next. This was stated by the Minister of Territory and government spokesperson, Sílvia Paneque, at a press conference following Tuesday's executive council meeting. She avoided setting a specific date for each section because it depends on when the trial runs—test journeys without passengers—that have been and are being carried out along the lines are completed. Paneque also added that the government will not withdraw alternative transport plans until the safety of the service is guaranteed. "The reinforcements will continue until the system is sustainable and can be maintained over time," Paneque asserted. In this regard, the Minister of Territory explained, for example, that commercial service on the RL4 line between Cervera and Lleida can resume this week. The Garriga-Campedevànol section of the R3 line will also reopen next week – although the section between Parets and Garriga will remain closed due to track doubling work expected to last 18 months – as will the Sants-Bellvitge section of the R2 airport line. The R15 is also expected to reopen in the coming days, except for the section between Reus and Ribarroja, where the 30 km/h speed limit will remain in place. The Minister of Territory also explained that there are still 70 temporary speed limit points linked to emergency reviews. The Government expects half of these points to be reviewed and removed within the next 15 days. The other half, Paneque explained, will be resolved by March. The strike has been called off.

Regarding the strike called off yesterday, Monday, the government spokesperson celebrated the agreement with the major unions and their willingness to "participate" in improving the commuter rail network, including in terms of human resources and maintenance. "We are pleased that the major unions, the government, and the ministry are on the same page," Paneque stated. However, she noted that three smaller unions are maintaining their strike this Tuesday, but assured that service is operating at 80%. Paneque also stated that the Catalan government understands the complaints of commuters who participated in the two demonstrations held in Barcelona this past weekend. "We understand the daily struggles of commuter rail users. We understand that this deficient service impacts their lives. We understand their complaints and their anger," she affirmed. The regional minister, in this regard, recalled that she has met daily with user groups in recent days and has reaffirmed her commitment to continue investing in commuter rail, renewing rolling stock and improving network accessibility, and making progress in the transfer of this rail network.