>>1178461During the tumultuous period of 1936, the unions eventually get into the Catalan Parliament under the wing of left-wing political parties. They immediately collectivize tram operations (among other things) in late '36, at which time trams and buses start sporting the red and black CNT-FAI livery (of which, afaik, there are no known colour photographs or films).
Dividends are eliminated, so is the higher financial administration. Salaries are raised albeit only slightly, mostly to compensate for high inflation. There's talk of a unified salary which isn't implemented for fear of losing senior technicians. In November 1936 the 40 hour week reverts to a 48 hour week, however the increase in ridership together with the elimination of dividends allowed for somewhat more income, which in turn leads to a bit of investment before the war reached Barcelona, mostly improvements to the shops.
In september 1937 fuel is rationed, and all bus service abandoned.
In 1938 tram service is at around 50% due to a lack of imported spare parts, electrical restrictions and infrastructure damaged from bombardments. By the end of the war there's just 50 tram cars in service for a city of one million.
Pic related is a rare photograph of a tram sporting the CNT-FAI livery.
