On 7 February, Barcelona hosted the demonstration “Sense Trens no hi ha Futur” (“Without trains there is no future”), a large civic mobilisation calling for reliable, safe and high-quality public rail transport across Catalonia. The initiative, promoted by a broad network of rail user platforms and supported by numerous social organisations, brought together thousands of participants under a shared demand: dignified train services are essential for the Catalonia’s future.

The protest followed the tragic accident of 2 January, in which a train driver lost his life and several passengers were injured, adding to concerns after the tragic HSR accident in Andalucia. While these events acted as the immediate catalyst, organisers stressed that the demonstration was rooted in years of declining service quality, delays and growing dissatisfaction among commuters in the Barcelona area. For many users, the accident symbolised deeper structural problems affecting everyday mobility.

Although the visibility of the users’ march was partially overshadowed by a parallel political mobilisation, the atmosphere among participants remained both festive and determined. Families, commuters and rail workers marched together, conveying a clear and unified message: investment in safe, efficient and accessible passenger transport must remain a cornerstone for social cohesion and sustainable development.

Attendees emphasised that strong public transport networks are vital to the economic, environmental and social future of Catalonia. Without trains, there is no future.

Read the manifesto: Manifest – Sense Trens No Hi Ha Futur | Mobilització pel Transport Públic