In a demonstration held yesterday in Bilbao, users of the Renfe C-3 line voiced their discontent, particularly those with reduced mobility and parents with strollers. The platform, formed by the Movement of Pensioners of Bizkaia and Aiaraldea along with individuals with reduced mobility, denounces the delay in platform elevation works, which were initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

The primary issue is that the platforms are at a lower level than the trains, making access difficult for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, visual impairments, or those pushing baby or shopping carts. Consequently, over 200 people gathered in Bilbao to advocate for universal accessibility to this public transport service.

The protest concluded at the headquarters of Euskal Trenbide Sarea (ETS), where the group attempted to deliver a letter and a report on accessibility issues at the C-3 line's stations and stops, also requesting a meeting with ETS's Director General, Antonio López Valenzuela. However, they were not allowed to deliver the letter as they represented a collective, explained Agurtzane Sotch, a member of the association.

This latest protest stems from a commitment made last October by the Basque Government's Department of Sustainable Mobility to raise platforms at the Orduña and Abando stations (C-3 line) as a pilot experience. Sotch stated that "we have not yet seen any progress" and considers the measure a "patch" that she deems unviable, especially as it requires boarding and alighting between Abando and Orduña.

Euskal Trenbide Sarea, for its part, recalls that on January 1, 2025, the Basque Government took over the management of suburban railways, leaving the reform of infrastructure to Adif, the public company under the Ministry of Transport. However, ETS, prioritizing accessibility, has initiated the relevant actions, even though it is not their direct responsibility. The public entity stated: "We have had everything prepared for weeks to start the works, but we need Adif's permission to proceed."

Furthermore, they mentioned that another ongoing action is the replacement of train units, a commitment by Renfe that includes the implementation of at least one low-floor carriage on each C-3 train, scheduled before the end of this year.

Luis Miguel, from Ugao-Miraballes, attended the gathering in his wheelchair. His frustration was evident: "The only option to travel currently is by bus, although that also has its complications." He confesses his disappointment because "they make promises they don't keep, they delay, and they give no reasons." In his opinion, "we are not asking for anything unreasonable either."