Andorra Boosts Serradells Bus Service Amid Overcrowding, Safety Disputes

Andorra la Vella has added an extra bus to the Serradells line during its 5pm peak period to tackle persistent overcrowding complaints, while Coopalsa's manager highlights service improvements amid surging demand and fleet upgrades, even as the workers' committee raises safety concerns over vehicle conditions.

Commune officials are reviewing routes individually for peak-hour reinforcements, with data from operator Andbus indicating high occupancy mainly during rush times. The Serradells service remains problematic, with some passengers—including children—struggling to board and resorting to taxis. Overall, Andbus transported 604,000 passengers in 2025, up 8.6% from 2024, with top lines Ciutat de Valls (349,613 users), La Margineda (210,776) and Serradells (44,051). Proposals to adjust schedules by 15 minutes are under consideration, but changes will proceed carefully to avoid broader disruptions. The new Unió route between Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany has eased central valley congestion.

In March, the commune provided Andbus with a €134,670 one-off payment to offset 2025 contract costs from wage hikes, inflation and economic pressures, in keeping with procurement regulations.

Coopalsa manager Gabriel Dallerès offered a positive review of the government's line reorganisation, introduced on 7 July 2024 and approaching its first anniversary. User numbers have increased 2.5 times since launch, reaching high-season peaks of 23,000 daily passengers. Route redesigns separate short trips from long-distance services—for instance, diverting Escaldes-Encamp traffic from L4 to Pas de la Casa, and restricting Prat de la Creu to L2 and L7 only—enabling greater capacity with current resources. Dallerès anticipates more adjustments, attributes L2's high volume to Encamp's population density, capital-bound commutes and construction growth, and expects rising demand there. The government cross-references operator data with user feedback from groups to refine frequencies.

Dallerès described the seven-year-old concession—originally 15 years to 2034, with options for two five-year extensions—as stable, with fluid government ties and clarified accounting rules set by external experts after early generic contract disputes. He expects the service to be substantially improved by the July anniversary.

Staffing shortages continue at Coopalsa due to high turnover from adaptation challenges for newcomers, a shift from four to six years' required experience, and family reunification barriers. Dallerès said more drivers would reduce pressure, noting these issues reflect national priorities that authorities may need to address if they worsen.

On fleet matters, Dallerès outlined a renewal completing this month with 42 Euro 6-compliant buses under 15 years old as primary vehicles, using older reserves only for breakdowns, accidents or severe winter weather. He stressed that reserves pass ITV inspections and remain fully serviced.

However, Coopalsa's workers' committee has urged authorities to conduct vehicle inspections to ensure safety for drivers and passengers. They report repeated faults including oil and diesel leaks, worn tyres, damaged bodywork, broken mirrors, faulty ramps and doors, and non-functional air conditioning or heating. Despite submitting photos and videos, the company cites a lack of replacement buses. In a late-year meeting, management confirmed ITV checks every six months. Workers feel compelled to operate despite concerns, fearing sanctions or dismissal, and worry about potential restructuring targeting senior, vocal staff in favour of newer hires willing to accept current conditions. They emphasise transporting "human lives, not replaceable objects," and question why such public transport shortcomings persist unaddressed.