Interview with Carlos Ruíz, President Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC)

16 Jan Interview with Carlos Ruíz, President Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC)

How does Catalonia distinguish itself as a logistics hub in Spain and the EU in 2025?

Carlos Ruíz: Catalonia has a natural advantage due to its strategic location. Positioned between major European capitals and the southern Iberian Peninsula, it is a key gateway to the Mediterranean. This allows easy access to Europe’s most important logistics hubs, fostering investment, cultural exchange, and economic growth.

Additionally, Catalonia benefits from a well-integrated infrastructure network, including an international airport, a major port, extensive railway investments, and a strategic highway system. These assets make the region highly attractive for investment and enable effective long-term infrastructure planning.

The demand for public transportation is driven by two key factors. First, there is a growing awareness of sustainability, leading more people to choose public transit. However, our growth has exceeded the average increase in public transport usage. The second factor is the expansion of our service network—extending to new destinations, increasing service capacity, and improving accessibility for more citizens.

What flagship projects is FGC currently working on to expand its capacity and enhance Catalonia’s transport network?

Carlos Ruíz: At its core, FGC is a mobility company deeply connected to the region it serves. Our role extends beyond transportation—we facilitate accessibility, territorial cohesion, and regional development. Our commitment to regional development has led us to launch several large-scale projects.

For example, ski resorts function as mobility hubs, enabling people to reach the mountain peaks. However, we believe it is essential to develop a comprehensive range of services around these areas. As mobility experts, we integrate multiple transport systems, including railways, rack trains, funiculars, and new tramway projects.

Instead of focusing solely on public transport needs, we consider the broader economic opportunities that new projects can generate. For instance, expanding commuter rail connections—such as linking Lleida and Terrassa—can enhance economic activity while improving public transport synergies.

One key initiative is the creation of a new tramway system in Tarragona, which will connect the airport with coastal municipalities, strengthening regional mobility. Additionally, we are set to launch a direct rail connection between Lleida and Terrassa next year. In the coming years, we will also operate a commuter train line linking central Barcelona with the airport.

Beyond conventional transport projects, we are rethinking the concept of ski resorts. We are shifting toward a “mountain station” model, ensuring these destinations are active year-round rather than only during the winter season. This requires infrastructure beyond ski lifts—such as facilities that transform mountain areas into open-air recreational hubs. To support this vision, we are establishing a Mountain and Snow Innovation Center dedicated to research in mountain mobility solutions.

One example of this innovation is the world’s first high-capacity electric 4×4 vehicle for mountain use. We developed this vehicle in collaboration with a specialized manufacturer to address mobility challenges at Núria station, which we are transforming into an “eco-valley.” The project will be inaugurated in April.

Catalonia has a strategic plan to decentralize economic opportunities beyond its metropolitan core. Infrastructure development plays a vital role in this transition, enabling new economic hubs to emerge, such as those we are developing in Tarragona.

How strong is Catalonia’s R&D ecosystem in transport and logistics?

Carlos Ruíz: Catalonia has a strong innovation ecosystem that supports advanced research and development in transport and logistics.

For example, Barcelona’s supercomputer allows us to become the first railway company in the world to implement a fully integrated digital twin system—a major technological breakthrough. This innovation enables us to optimize operations and enhance predictive maintenance, improving efficiency across our railway network.

Additionally, our R&D initiatives extend beyond rail transport. We are pioneering projects such as the electric 4×4 vehicle and the Mountain and Snow Innovation Center, both of which have the potential to transform the industry.

What sets us apart is our comprehensive railway expertise—we manage multiple railway systems, including standard gauge, Iberian gauge, metric gauge, and cable transport. This diversity positions us uniquely for global innovation.

One of our key research areas is the sensorization of railway systems, which will help modernize digital infrastructure. By integrating smart technology into rail operations, we can mitigate climate change impacts, improve service reliability, and drive economic development in the region.

What are FGC’s sustainability ambitions? What milestones has it achieved in reducing its carbon footprint?

Carlos Ruíz: Expanding transport capacity has had a direct impact on sustainability. For example, by increasing public transport accessibility, we have seen 20% growth in ridership in key locations—removing thousands of private vehicles from the roads.

Our freight transport operations have also contributed significantly. We now handle one million tons of freight annually, removing over 40,000 trucks from the roads—a major step toward emissions reduction. We also collaborate with major industrial partners like Seat to integrate sustainable logistics solutions.

We are accelerating electrification efforts to further reduce our carbon footprint. While full electrification may not be feasible for all lines, we are investing in hybrid locomotives and expanding renewable energy integration. Additionally, we are working with the Government of Catalonia, which aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables. This includes installing solar panels across transport infrastructure to generate clean energy.

What new technologies has FGC recently adopted, and what does the future of transport in Catalonia look like?

Carlos Ruíz: Technology is a crucial ally in two key areas: customer service and security. Our commitment to service excellence means we must continuously improve passenger experience and safety. Digitalization and AI are playing a central role in these efforts. Through advanced data analysis, we can better understand user behavior and optimize transportation planning.

On the security side, anticipating potential disruptions is critical. Digitalization enables us to predict infrastructure challenges, ensuring proactive maintenance and service continuity. Our goal is to become the first railway company in the world with a fully operational digital twin system—a powerful tool for real-time monitoring and decision-making.

Climate change is also a major consideration. For example, temperature fluctuations impact railway tracks, which expand and contract due to heat exposure. By integrating AI-driven predictive models, we can anticipate climate-related risks and adapt our operations accordingly.

Overall, technology will be at the heart of Catalonia’s future transport ecosystem. By combining innovation, sustainability, and expanded connectivity, we aim to create a more efficient, resilient, and integrated mobility network.