Osona, a Spanish rural county in central Catalonia, faces significant mobility challenges due to its dispersed geography, low population density and centralised services. These challenges are even more pronounced in the neighbouring Lluçanès plateau, which is more sparsely populated. The region’s reliance on private vehicles, combined with fragmented public transport networks, limits access to jobs and essential services – particularly for its ageing population.
In response, a participatory planning initiative was launched, involving 40 of the region’s 52 municipalities. Its goal was to co-design a more equitable and efficient interurban bus system. This collaborative approach, rooted in local realities and inclusive dialogue, offers a model for rural mobility planning that could be replicated across Europe and aligns with the goals of the URBACT Beyond the Urban programme.
The URBACT initiative gained momentum with the upcoming expiry of Catalonia’s interurban bus service contracts in 2028, presenting a rare opportunity to influence regional transport policy. Recognising this, stakeholders in Osona and Lluçanès organised five territorial workshops to gather input local authorities, civil society and businesses. These sessions, held in peripheral areas to ensure inclusivity, allowed participants to assess the current transport map and propose improvements.
Key issues identified included
- inconsistent service frequency
- lack of access to industrial zones
- fare inequities
- lack of integration with school transport and digital tools
Participants also stressed the need to align services with local work patterns and improve both communication and infrastructure.
A strong consensus emerged around several priorities
- implementing demand-responsive transport (DRT) tailored to rural needs
- integrating school buses into the public system
- enhancing links to employment hubs
- unifying fare zones to reflect local travel patterns
There were also calls for clearer information, better signage and improved digital platforms to support user access.
The insights gathered will inform a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the Catalan Department of Territory. This process not only strengthens Osona’s position in upcoming negotiations but also shows how smaller regions can lead systemic change through grassroots engagement and strategic planning – contributing to broader European goals for sustainable rural mobility.
Author: Carla Giaume
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
