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Barcelona Metro

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The Barcelona Metro is a rapid transit network located in Spain. It serves the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, and its surrounding suburbs. Most of the tracks run deep underground through the city center. This network is a vital part of the larger public transport system. It is managed by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, or ATM. This organization ensures that fares are unified across different types of transport. This includes the metro, local buses, tramways, and regional trains.

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

The network operates through a complex system of tracks and power. One unique feature is the use of three different track gauges. A track gauge is the distance between the two rails. The Barcelona Metro is the only metro in the world that uses both narrow and broad gauge tracks. It also uses an older Iberian gauge on Line 1. This makes the system very different from most other cities. To save energy, the system uses regenerative braking. This process captures spare power from the trains. This electricity is then used to power charging stations near the infrastructure.

Currently, the metro is divided between two main operators. Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, known as TMB, manages eight lines. These are Lines 1 through 5 and Lines 9 through 11. The remaining lines are managed by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, or FGC. These include Lines 6, 7, 8, and 12. Some FGC lines, such as Line 7 and Line 8, actually share tracks with commuter rail lines. The lines are identified by numbers or colors on network maps.

L1 barcelona
L1 barcelona

The history of the system began long before the modern metro existed. The first rapid transit railway was founded in 1863. A private company called Ferrocarril de Barcelona a Sarrià started this service. This original line eventually evolved into the current Line 6. In the 1920s, new systems began to grow. The Gran Metro was built between Lesseps and Plaça de Catalunya. This became part of the modern Line 3. Two years later, the Metro Transversal was founded. This line connected the city center to the site of the 1929 International Exposition.

Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1
Metro Barcelona station Universitat L1

Construction is still happening to expand the network today. Lines 9 and 10 are currently being built. These two lines will share a central section. Once finished, they will be the longest automated metro lines in Europe. This means they will use automatic train operation, or driverless vehicle systems. The combined length of these lines will be 48 kilometers. They will include a total of 52 stations. The project is expected to be fully completed by the year 2030.

L9 051
L9 051

The scale of the network is quite large. As of November 2021, the network included 183 stations. By early 2020, the total length including the Montjuïc Funicular reached 125 kilometers. The average distance between two stations is approximately 807.50 meters. Most stations are simple access points with stairs or elevators. Passengers use various tickets through the ATM system. For example, the T-casual card allows for ten discounted rides. The T-usual card allows for unlimited journeys over 30 days.

Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona
Venta tickes automatica metro barcelona

Accessibility is a major focus for the modern network. Engineers are working to make sure everyone can use the trains. Most stations are already fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. As of recent data, only 8 out of 192 stations are not fully accessible. This includes stations like Clot on Line 1 and Espanya on Line 1 and 3. Improvements continue to ensure that more people can navigate the city easily.

Llefià metrostation
Llefià metrostation
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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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