The new service will operate under the commercial name of El meu Bus. Anybody needing to get from one point to another in these neighbourhoods can use the service and also access the rest of the public transport system with the usual integrated tickets and travel cards. Using the service is as simple as registering, following the booking instructions and being at the stop in question just before the bus arrives. When there are no service requests, the bus remains at a standstill at a certain stop.

The new system will improve the performance, flexibility and efficiency of the existing Bus del Barri service (line 135), which covers the same two neighbourhoods every 45 minutes. The last scheduled day of the regular 135 service is Sunday, 16 January.

Fixed stops, flexible route

The route for the bus-on-demand service is based on a smart system which fits together the different travel requests received in advance (the further in advance, the better the guarantee of service). There are 26 fixed stops (two of them new, at the CAP d’Horta and the Hospital Vall d’Hebron) for passengers to choose where they get on, the time (within the established timetable, from 7 am to 9 pm on working days, from 8 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and from 9 am to 9 pm on public holidays), the stop where they get off, and whether the journey is a one-off or will be on a regular basis.

Requests can be made with a mobile app or a phone call. Also named El meu Bus, the app can be downloaded for free from the virtual Apple and Android stores and enables users to amend a request, cancel it, list favourites, check existing reservations and receive alerts on variations in service.

TMB and Barcelona City Council are starting an information campaign today in Montbau and Vall d’Hebron to explain the rollout of the bus-on-demand service. The campaign includes posters and leaflets to be handed out be information staff at local facilities and among users of the 135 bus service. Information systems at bus-stops and on board vehicles will also be used, as well digital channels.

Some practical workshops are also being organised for local people on 13 and 14 January, explaining how to use the app and providing guidance for people on registering and making their first bookings. For more information see the attached posters.