"Worse than ever": Commuters are upset about delays and new train frequencies in Mallorca.

PalmThe first day of the new summer train schedules in Mallorca was marked by roadworks near Verge de Lluc, delays, overcrowding, and tension among commuters. According to the train users' association, the situation has been "worse than ever," with packed trains and fewer train frequencies. "Many people have had to take their cars to get to Palma," they stated.

The president of the association, Guillem Ramis, asserts that the day has gone "very badly" and that the reduction in services is caused by "the lack of drivers" who are taking summer vacations. For Ramis, one of the biggest problems is that "this precariousness of the service affects the most vulnerable users, who have no alternative."

Mallorca Railway Services (SFM) has explained that the works on the overpass on Carrer de Greco near Verge de Lluc are "necessary" to replace the deteriorated overpass and improve the safety and functionality of the section. The works, awarded for 889,430 euros, require single-track traffic between Son Fuster and the Marratxí industrial estate throughout August and have involved timetable changes and the cancellation of certain services, they explained.

The Government recalls that the most critical works have been scheduled for August because it is the period with the "least passenger traffic," and insists that the modified timetables will only be in effect until the end of the month. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the works will improve the clearance and allow for safer passage for vehicles and pedestrians in the Verge de Lluc area. For Ramis, this "is a derogatory comment" that the Government makes every year. According to him, there may not be any public officials or students traveling, but there are tourists and seasonal workers in the hospitality industry. "This, along with the reduction in frequencies, means the service is terrible," he comments.

Several users explained to ARA Baleares that the trains left with a standard delay of "more than five minutes, at least" and agreed that the trains were held at Marratxí station for more than 20 minutes. "The heat was unbearable, a woman huddled in front of me," explained one user. "We've started the new schedule with delays that make trains that would already be full become trains with overcrowded and very annoying people." Another explained that he arrived half an hour late to work: "I wouldn't be surprised if all the people who were on my train today were late to work."

Users consider SFM's planning to have been "completely inconsiderate." In this sense, the association is calling for more investment and personnel to avoid congestion and guarantee a reliable service: "Essential public services cannot be governed by criteria of economic savings." "If there are no drivers, they can't provide quality service, and we all suffer from that," Ramis concludes.

The government reports that all information regarding schedules in effect for the month of August can be found atwww.trensfm.comandwww.tib.org