New Timetables in Mallorca: More Stops, Longer Travel Times for Commuters

Trains stop at every station again — commuters feel the change immediately

The morning at the sa Pobla station feels different: 6:05 a.m., cool air, a golden retriever pulling on a short leash, the smell of coffee from the still-closed kiosk and the announcement everyone knows but with a different weight today: 'This train now stops at all stations.' What at first sounds like routine has immediate consequences for many commuters. The services between Palma, sa Pobla and Manacor no longer run as an express through service — instead, they stop everywhere. Result: some early connections now arrive up to 15 minutes later.

The key question: more punctuality versus longer travel time — a fair trade?

The operators cite technical reasons and the goal of increasing overall reliability. On paper that makes sense: more stops are supposed to create buffers and absorb delays better. But the central question remains open: how many commuters are willing to accept an extra 10–15 minutes daily so that other trains run less frequently out of sync? This is not just a matter of minutes, but a question of daily rhythm — the trip to the baker, dropping off at daycare, the connecting bus at Plaça d'Espanya.

When an older commuter on platform 1 says, 'I used to be at the bakery in Palma at 6:45,' behind that is a whole little ritual that now falls apart. In addition to the individual inconvenience, there are chain reactions: if you miss a bus or a tram in Palma, the commute to work can suddenly become much longer.

What is often missing in the public debate

Many debates revolve around minutes and technical explanations. Less attention is paid to how such changes affect people socially and spatially. Those living in outer districts often have less flexible working hours. Parents with small children cannot just leave later; pupils must be on time. Fare customers who rely on specific connections — for example to university or shift work — face real problems. Another often overlooked point is information design. Digital notices are not a priority everywhere; older people prefer paper timetables or a clear announcement on the platform.

Concrete opportunities — yes, but with need for improvement

If the additional stops actually increase reliability, many will benefit in the end: fewer sudden cancellations, more manageable delays and perhaps a more robust system during disruptions. That would be particularly valuable in peak situations such as events in Palma or during high visitor numbers in summer. The question is: can the goal not also be achieved in other ways without thousands of commuters losing time every day?

Practical solutions and proposals

A few suggestions that could help quickly and are often missing in the discussion:

- Express services during peak hours: A small number of trains could continue to skip stops, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

- Clearer information on the platform: Print paper timetables, install clearly visible boards and make clear announcements, which help especially older passengers.

- Buffers in connecting networks: Bus and tram schedules could be locally adjusted to account for the new train times.

- Involve employers: Flexible working hours or flextime models would make the transition easier for many commuters.

- Demand-oriented stopping: A 'skip-stop' system that serves stations depending on time of day or passenger volumes could create compromises.

What commuters can do practically now

In the short term, pragmatic steps help: take an earlier train, plan a 10–15 minute buffer for transfers, check digital timetables before departure — and those who can, cycle to the station more often. This not only saves time but also provides a bit of fresh air in the morning. And: a polite hint to the transport operators or the municipality about where things are failing often achieves more than expected.

I will continue to observe the stations in the coming days — the conversations on the platform, the glances at the clock, the occasional sigh, but perhaps also the surprising calm when trains arrive more punctually. The change is a turning point for many daily routes. Whether it is a good or necessary step will become clear. One thing is certain: commuters feel the change immediately — and have already started to rethink their schedules.

In short: More stops are intended to bring reliability but mean longer travel times and changed connections. Commuters should check timetables, plan buffers and consider alternatives like cycling or flexible working hours.