ON NOVEMBER 4 the Catalan regional government, Ministry of Development, Barcelona council and local transport operator EMT signed an agreement to create a new metropolitan transport authority for the greater Barcelona area. When new legislation is in place, Autoridad del Transporte Metropolitano will be responsible for investment; the current contract plans agreed with central government expire in 1998.
During 1997 ATM will develop its own infrastructure investment strategies, monitor progress with existing works, and define future funding mechanisms. It will have jurisdiction over the Barcelona metro, Catalunya Railways (FGC) and local buses, and hopes to develop a common fares structure. At first ATM will not have control of Renfe suburban routes, but it is hoped to integrate these in due course. o
