Railway company considers cuts to Inca-Sa Pobla service

The Majorcan railway company, the SFM, is studying the possibility of reducing the frequencies of trains between Inca and Sa Pobla because of staff shortages. No decision has been taken as yet, but the company is engaged in talks with union representatives regarding changes in shifts for engine drivers. A change in shifts would automatically imply an overhaul of the existing services between Inca and Sa Pobla. A company spokesman said that the number of drivers available was limited, and there was also a shortage of engines. The accident at the Sa Pobla two weeks ago has aggravated the situation, he added. But he declined to say how many trips would be eliminated, although he indicated that they would be those with the fewest passengers. The changes would not affect the service between Palma and Inca, he explained. The Mayor of Sa Pobla, Jaume Font, said that the council would make a formal protest if a reduction in the service was confirmed. He said that it would be “scandalous” to cut the service to Sa Pobla, adding that if it were done, “the Balearic government will have shown how little it believes in its policy to favour public transport.”