High Performance Bus Network — Exprés.Cat

Good Practice

Efficiency

High Performance Bus Network — Exprés.Cat

Introducing new services to match surface area public transport supply with public demand.

Catalan Government

Spain

Local policy

POLICY OBJECTIVE

In 2012, a new bus service was introduced — a brand-new rapid transit system (BRT) named expres.cat.

CONTEXT

In the last ten years, demand for intercity bus transport in Catalonia has grown 57%. In 2012, the regional bus network already comprised more than 700 lines with 53.1 million trips per year

POLICY DESCRIPTION

Expres.cat lines have been designed to connect large and medium-sized cities with Catalonia’s four main centres – Barcelona (19 lines), Girona (7 lines), Tarragona (7 lines), and Lleida (7 lines).

KEY ASPECTS

High frequency during peak hours, and new direct bus services.
High and competitive commercial speeds: high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) bus lanes, priority at traffic intersections, etc.
Real-time information: bus stops with real-time dynamic information panels, as well as information on board.
New lines incorporated into the integrated fare system.
Improved intermodality with other modes of transport using 100% accessible vehicles.
More sustainable, comfortable and biodiesel-powered vehicles, with added value services such as Wi-Fi and free newspapers.
New image: expres.cat is promoted with a new corporate image to enhance visibility among users and facilitate rapid identification.
Network financed through a public-private partnership (PPP). Buses funded by operators (66%) and government (33%); brand image managed by operators, and real-time info system by government.

RESULTS

41 of 43 planned lines have been implemented, with an increase in supply from 5 September 2022.

Network assessment to date confirms that quality matters: riders have increased on all lines in service, and respondents in satisfaction surveys give an average score of more than 8 out of 10.

Policy's Website

Lidia

Devant Abelló

Head of Equality Promotion

lidia.devant@gencat.cat

Good Practice