FGC 213 Series

213 series
A 213 EMU in Olesa de Montserrat
Manufacturer	CAF, Alstom and Bombardier
Replaced	FGC 211 Series
Constructed	1998–2008
Entered service	1 February 1999 (1999-02-01)
Number built	126 vehicles (42 sets)
Formation	3 cars per unit
Operators	Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya
Depots	Martorell-Enllaç
Lines served	Llobregat-Anoia line
Specifications
Train length	51.98 m (170 ft 6 in)
Car length	16.32 m (53 ft 7 in) (end cars) 16.19 m (53 ft 1 in) (intermediate car)
Width	2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
Height	3.97 m (13 ft 0 in)
Doors	2 doors per side on end cars 3 doors per side on middle car
Maximum speed	90 km/h (55 mph)
Weight	97,2 t (full trainset)
Traction motors	8 x ABB 4 EBA 35420 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output	1.440 kW
Acceleration	1.05 m/s²
Deceleration	0.70 m/s²
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)	Pantograph
Safety system(s)	FAP
Track gauge	1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in)

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. ^[1]

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. ^[2]

Design

A couple of 213 units in their original livery

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. ^[3]

Operations

Interior

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. ^[4] The front livery was changed from orange to black. ^[5]

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. ^[3] The municipality's name and coat of arms can be observed on the side of the motor cars.

Unit	Name	Unit	Name	Unit	Name	Unit	Name
213.01	Igualada	213.06	Castellbell i el Vilar	213.11	Martorell	213.16	Masquefa
213.02	Manresa	213.07	Vilanova del Camí	213.12	Pallejà	213.17	Olesa de Montserrat
213.03	Capellades	213.08	Sant Vicenç dels Horts	213.13	Sant Esteve Sesrovires	213.18	Abrera
213.04	Piera	213.09	Sant Vicenç de Castellet	213.14	Sant Boi de Llobregat	213.19	La Pobla de Claramunt
213.05	Sant Andreu de la Barca	213.10	Vallbona d'Anoia	213.15	Santa Coloma de Cervelló	213.20	Monistrol de Montserrat

After the class' 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.

Unit	Name	Date
213.22	Josep Carner	July 2020
213.23	Joan Perucho	July 2020
213.25	Joanot Martorell	April 2018
213.26	Enric Prat de la Riba	September 2016
213.28	Dolors Monserdà	April 2019
213.31	Joan Cererols	July 2016
213.33	Joan Brossa	April 2019
213.35	Rosa Sensat	April 2023 [6]
213.37	Joan Salvat-Papasseit	April 2024 [7]
213.41	Montserrat Vayreda	April 2024 [7]

References

1. Carril. Associació d'Amics del Ferrocarril de Barcelona [Barcelona], número 65, 2007. ISSN: 1136-2499
2. Carril. Associació d'Amics del Ferrocarril de Barcelona [Barcelona], número 65, 2007. ISSN: 1136-2499
3. "Unitats sèrie 213". Trenscat. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
4. "FGC renueva los trenes de la linea Llobregat-Anoia". La Vanguardia. 17 July 2015. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
5. "Renovació dels trens de la línia Llobregat-Anoia d'FGC". Trenpassió. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
6. "La mestra Rosa Sensat i Vilà dona nom a un dels trens de Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya". govern.cat, Sala de premsa. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
7. "Ferrocarrils retola, amb motiu de Sant Jordi, quatre trens amb noms de figures clau de la literatura catalana". govern.cat, Sala de premsa. Retrieved 9 February 2025.