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Catalonia and Renfe Create Joint Rodalies Operator, With Full Takeover Not Expected Until 2027

State safety approvals will determine when passengers see improvements.

Overview

  • Rodalies de Catalunya SME, SA is legally constituted with €2 million in capital, owned 50.1% by Renfe and 49.9% by the Generalitat.
  • The nine-member board gives five seats to the Catalan government and four to Renfe, with territory minister Sílvia Paneque as president and Barcelona Metro executive Òscar Playà named CEO.
  • The new entity lacks a railway operator licence, AESF safety certification and contingency plans, and officials estimate roughly a year to secure them before assuming full operations in 2027.
  • Staff serving in Catalonia will remain Renfe employees under the existing collective agreement, and a UGT rail representative has a seat on the board to safeguard labor interests.
  • Adif retains control of tracks and stations, with ongoing works such as the R3 corridor interruption into 2027 and major projects at Sants and La Sagrera expected to continue affecting service quality.