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Barcelona Metro

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The Barcelona Metro is a fast train network in Spain. Most of the tracks run underground through the center of Barcelona. It helps many people travel between the city and its suburbs. This system is part of a much larger public transport network. This network includes buses, trams, and even regional trains. All these services use a single fare system called ATM.

Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1
Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1

How does this huge system work? It uses different ways to move people along its paths. Some lines are operated by a company called TMB. Other lines are run by a company called FGC. The network uses different track gauges, which is the width between the rails. It is the only metro in the world using both narrow and broad gauge tracks. It also uses three different gauges in total. The trains even help save energy. They use regenerative braking to create spare power. This power can help charge nearby stations.

L9 051
L9 051

Learning about the history shows how the metro grew over time. The very first railway service started in 1863. A private company called Ferrocarril de Barcelona a Sarrià founded it. This early line eventually became what we now call the L6 service. Later, in the 1920s, more systems began to appear. One was the Gran Metro, which is now part of Line 3. Another was the Metro Transversal, which is now part of Line 1. These later companies were inspired by the famous Paris metro system.

Metro i FGC Plaça Catalunya Barcelona
Metro i FGC Plaça Catalunya Barcelona

There are many important facts about the size of the network. As of November 2021, there were 183 stations in the system. By early 2020, the total length reached 12 kilometers. The network is made up of 12 different lines. Some lines, like L9 and L10, are still being built. These two lines will be the longest automated lines in Europe. They are expected to be fully finished by the year 2030.

L1 barcelona
L1 barcelona

You can see how the metro fits into everyday life. Most stations are simple places with stairs or elevators. You can use special cards like the T-casual for ten rides. There is also a T-usual card for unlimited trips. Some stations are even being updated to be easier for everyone to use. Only 8 out of 192 stations are not yet fully accessible. This work helps make sure everyone can ride the trains.

Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona
Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona
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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:Mapa metro Barcelona actual.svg
Mapa metro Barcelona actual.svg
File:L9 051.JPG
L9 051.JPG
File:Barcelona metro pl Catalunya.JPG
Barcelona metro pl Catalunya.JPG
File:Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1.JPG
Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1.JPG
File:Metro Barcelona station Gavarra L5.JPG
Metro Barcelona station Gavarra L5.JPG
File:Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona.jpg
Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona.jpg
File:L1 barcelona.svg
L1 barcelona.svg
File:L2 barcelona.svg
L2 barcelona.svg
File:L3 barcelona.svg
L3 barcelona.svg
File:L4 barcelona.svg
L4 barcelona.svg
File:L5 barcelona.svg
L5 barcelona.svg
File:L6 barcelona.svg
L6 barcelona.svg

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