Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) is set to introduce four new electric trains on the Rodalies Lleida line in 2025, significantly enhancing the railway service between Lleida and Manresa. These trains, currently under construction, will have a capacity of 439 passengers, effectively doubling the current frequency of services. This upgrade is expected to accommodate one million journeys on the Lleida-Manresa line annually.
The new 3-car electric trains will feature two sets of doors on each car side, 164 seats (140 fixed and 24 foldable), and will be equipped with advanced technological features.
Stadler, the manufacturing company, is expected to deliver the first train in the last quarter of 2024, with the service slated to start by the end of 2025 after all four units are received. The contract with Stadler covers not only the supply of the trains, costing 44 million euros but also maintenance for 15 years at an additional cost of 21.2 million euros.
The trains will include a visual lighting system (green for opening and red for closing doors) alongside auditory door indicators for passengers with hearing impairments. Each train will have 15 panoramic customer information screens (five per carriage) and a sound system with 16 speakers per carriage. The trains will be fitted with eight external LED screens to inform passengers on platforms, including two front-facing screens on each cabin and six side screens.
Accessibility has been a critical focus in the design of these trains. They will offer step-free access from platforms, with automatic ramps at doors near areas designated for reduced mobility. Interconnecting corridors with subtle ramps devoid of steps will facilitate inter-car movement. Each train will feature two spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and two multifunctional areas for bicycles, strollers, etc. The middle carriage will also include a service announcement system compatible with hearing aids and an adapted restroom with an electrically operated door.
Introducing these trains will lead to several improvements in service frequency, cadence, and punctuality. The current R12 line, served by Renfe Operadora, will be transformed into the RL3 Lleida-Cervera and RL4 Lleida-Manresa (to be operated by FGC) lines, integrating into the R4 section between Manresa and Barcelona via transfers of 5 to 10 minutes. The frequency of trips between Lleida and Cervera will double, and trips between Cervera and Manresa will increase. The service will also offer better distribution of trips throughout the day, improved peak hour service in the morning, and enhanced reliability, punctuality, and quality.
Additionally, the Pla de la Vilanoveta workshop in Lleida, currently used by FGC for the Lleida-La Pobla line, will be adapted for the new Rodalies Lleida service. This adaptation will include the electrification of tracks and the installation of new equipment.
Following the presentation of the future Rodalies Lleida trains, officials visited the construction site of a new FGC stop in the Segre industrial estate on the Lleida-La Pobla line. This new stop, expected to be completed in March, will improve public transport access for workers in the area.
