Barcelona

In 2000, ATM, the Transit Authority of Barcelona decided to launch two light rail projects: one, Tram Diagonal-Baix Llobregat, in the western part of the city; and the other, Tram San Marti-Besòs, in the eastern part of the city. The light rail project issues were as follows:

• for the western project, to develop public transport capacity;
• for the eastern project, the challenge was linked to the urbanization of an industrial area.

Veolia Transport is heavily involved with the concession holder — Tramvia Metropolità — in construction, operation and maintenance. The construction of these two ambitious projects began in 2004 and the service was opened to passengers in 2007.

The objective is to attract more customers (100% of the commercial risk and an additional bonus/malus scheme of 5% linked to ridership).
The action plan is based on two goals:

• provide a credible and reliable system: 95.3% of the service must be on time;
• provide an integrated service by contributing to a ticketing project.

• Veolia Transport influenced constructors to take into account customers' point of view.
• Veolia Transport succeeded in managing and coordinating several operators, providing a unique level of service to passengers.

With 120 crossroads in a 15-km area, our expertise in system traffic control allows the light rail to reach the speed of 18 km/h without jeopardizing car traffic.

Barcelona is a fully integrated management system certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 certification, EN 13816 and OHSAS 18001.

• 187 employees with an average age of 35 are dedicated to passengers: lost and found, customer service, fare evasion control and information. In 2008, we had zero voluntary job leaves and 66% of the team was trained.

Considering the ridership growth, the urban regeneration and the environmental benefits, these two light rail projects have been a success. Every year, numerous delegations visit our operations.