The agreement to extend the metro network to reach the La Marina neighbourhoods and the Zona Franca, as well as connecting the tram system, were the main topics discussed in the first meeting between the President of the Generalitat, Carles Puigdemont, and the Mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau.

Ada Colau described her first meeting with Puigdemont as useful and productive, with an important agreement to unblock two metropolitan infrastructures being reached. On the subject of the L9 metro line reaching La Marina, Colau told Puigdemont: “We’re willing to take part in finance and work towards an agreement”. The aim is to give residents access to the network as soon as possible.

Speaking about the connection of the tram system, Colau pointed out that “another step has been taken”, as agreement was reached to sign a protocol with the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) shortly to connect the Trambaix and Trambesòs tram systems. The exact route for the connection will be defined once the results of technical surveys are available. The 2 infrastructures are of great importance for Colau, also allowing for progress in tackling contamination. The meeting also covered the T-Mobilitat scheme, concluding it should be 100% publicly-managed.

Recognition of debt and united action

Colau and Puigdemont agreed to reactivate the Joint Commission to carry on making progress on the recognition of the debt the Generalitat has with City Council and establish a calendar for payment. The figure is currently somewhere in the region of 100 million euros. During the meeting, the two leaders also agreed a “common front” to tackle state infrastructures, to reactivate work on La Sagrera, the local train network and the B-23 access to Barcelona via Av. Diagonal.

Finally, the Mayor asked for the support of the Generalitat for the city’s Neighbouhood Plan, a project to combat inequality. The meeting also saw the leaders agree to carry on working together and strengthen coordination on safety and security in the city.