Renfe train capacity cuts on Lleida-Barcelona line spark protests

The Secore Forum, a coalition of social and economic agents including CCOO, UGT, PIMEC, and FEMEL, has denounced a reduction in train capacity on the Lleida-Barcelona line. The group claims that Renfe's decision to replace series 106 Avlo trains with lower-capacity Avant series 120 trains has resulted in a loss of approximately 400 seats daily during peak hours.

Specifically, the withdrawn Avlo trains offered 581 seats each, while the substitute double-composition Avant trains provide only 476 seats, representing a loss of over 100 seats per trip. This reduction impacts four critical daily services: the 07:05 and 19:23 departures from Lleida to Barcelona, and the 18:05 and 20:30 departures from Barcelona to Lleida.

While Renfe has stated that this is a temporary measure, the Secore Forum noted that the operator has not provided a specific end date or a schedule for the full restoration of capacity. The group warns that these cuts may force commuters, including workers and students, to rely on private vehicles.