One of the most striking features of the public transport network in Barcelona is the sense of constant progress towards the goal of sustainability. We take a look at several initiatives already implemented that are now being improved.
TMB’s bus network in Barcelona is one of the greenest in Europe. Out of a fleet of 1,065 vehicles, 110 run on biodiesel, 410 run on natural gas and 69 are hybrids. A new electric model, the BYD K9, has also been undergoing tests since last year which will be completed in 2015. Meanwhile, TMB’s commitment to developing a more sustainable fleet has led to the implementation of various structural measures. In particular, the public transport operator began a broad redesign of its network in 2012, which is due to be completed in September 2014. The aim of the project, according to TMB, is to improve intermodality and to adapt vehicles to the demands of the 21st century, with an emphasis on "ease of use, efficiency and resource management". Once operational, the new network will include, among other things, 28 high-performance routes, of which 17 will be vertical (between the mountains and sea), eight horizontal and three diagonal.
The key milestone of fare integration inside the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona was reached back in 2001. Since then, certain transport tickets allow passengers to use the metro, buses, trams and trains, regardless of the public transport operator. The system, which uses magnetic cards, will develop further in 2015 with the introduction of a new smartcard, the T-Mobilitat. In the early stages, the new technology will only cover public transport networks such as the metro, bus and tram, but it will be later extended to other modes, including the bicycle sharing scheme.
Along with its solar-powered bus stops (pictured), operational across the city since 2009, TMB is now working on a new bus shelter project, equipped with a giant touchscreen that will allow travellers to plan their trips. The Catalan capital intends to keep developing its passenger information technology as well. As Rossend Bosch, AMB’s head of soft mobility, explained: "We would like to install dynamic information screens, featuring the timetables of several transport modes near strategic locations (hospitals, train stations etc.)."