The 213 series is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter and suburban train type operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, providing all passenger service on the Llobregat-Anoia line since 2009. First introduced in 1999, the trains operate as single units or coupled as 6 car double units.
Background At the time of introduction in 1999, the 213 series initially replaced the more obsolete units that were still operating in the Llobregat-Anoia line (3000, 5000 and 8000 series). The new units provided passenger service next to the older 211 series.Carril. Associació d'Amics del Ferrocarril de Barcelona [Barcelona], número 65, 2007. ISSN: 1136-2499
The trains were acquired in the context of modernization of the Llobregat-Anoia line and electrification of the Igualada branch. The first order of trains consisted of 20 units. The units were built by Alstom, CAF and Bombardier. They share many design elements with their standard-gauge counterpart in the Barcelona-Vallès line, the 112 series.
Design
The EMUs are 3 car units with 2 motor cars (one on each end) and a trailer car (the middle car). There are 2 doors per side on motor cars and 3 doors per side in the middle car. The central door on the middle car is lower than the rest, to provide at-grade PRM access. The rest of the doors include a folding step to allow access on the low platforms of the Llobregat-Anoia line. Every 213 unit includes a WC in car 2, next to the driver cab.
Operations
While most service is provided by single units, 213 units are commonly coupled to cope with demand in peak times. In 2015, the whole 42 units underwent a renovation project, which included upgrades of the interior lighting, seating, the WC and an update to the exterior livery. The front livery was changed from orange to black.
Fleet details Currently, there are 42 units in service, providing all passenger service in the Llobregat-Anoia line. Named units At the time of their introduction, units 213.01 to 213.20 were named after municipalities served by the line. The municipality's name and coat of arms can be observed on the side of the motor cars. UnitNameUnitNameUnitNameUnitName213.01Igualada213.06Castellbell i el Vilar213.11Martorell213.16Masquefa213.02Manresa213.07Vilanova del Camí213.12Pallejà213.17Olesa de Montserrat213.03Capellades213.08Sant Vicenç dels Horts213.13Sant Esteve Sesrovires213.18Abrera213.04Piera213.09Sant Vicenç de Castellet213.14Sant Boi de Llobregat213.19La Pobla de Claramunt213.05Sant Andreu de la Barca213.10Vallbona d'Anoia213.15Santa Coloma de Cervelló213.20Monistrol de Montserrat
After the class's refurbishment in 2015, several other units were named after notable Catalan writers and artists. Their portrait is featured on the train's livery, in addition to a small biographic quote in the interior. UnitNameDate213.22Josep CarnerJuly 2020213.23Joan PeruchoJuly 2020213.25Joanot MartorellApril 2018213.26Enric Prat de la RibaSeptember 2016213.28Dolors MonserdàApril 2019213.31Joan CererolsJuly 2016213.33Joan BrossaApril 2019213.35Rosa SensatApril 2023213.37Joan Salvat-PapasseitApril 2024213.41Montserrat VayredaApril 2024213.27April 2025213.39Francesc CandelApril 2025
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