PT Lab – The Return of the Bus: BRTs and BHLS to power mobility networks in Catalonia and Barcelona

Buses are making a comeback, and the first Public Transport Lab webinar, The Return of the Bus: BRTs and BHLS to Power Mobility Networks in Catalonia and Barcelona, explored why. Experts from Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and the Catalan Government shared how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Bus with High-Level Service (BHLS) systems are helping cities and regions improve public transport without the high costs of rail.

The session examined Barcelona’s redesigned bus network, which has made services faster and more reliable, and the Expres.cat regional bus system, which connects towns and cities across Catalonia with high-frequency, comfortable routes. Discussions also covered the push to electrify bus fleets, new funding opportunities at the EU level, and the role of public transport in reducing car dependency and tackling transport poverty.

Beyond success stories, the speakers addressed real challenges—how to fund long-term improvements, increase bus speeds in congested cities, and make buses a seamless part of the wider transport network. With growing demand for efficient, flexible mobility solutions, these insights offer valuable lessons for cities looking to strengthen their public transport systems.

Want to learn more? Check out the full report attached.