In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is not uncommon for personal items to be left behind on public transport at some point. Whether it’s a cell phone, a wallet, a scarf or even dentures, forgetfulness is part of the routine.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has implemented a lost and found management system that makes it easier for citizens to recover their lost belongings and reveals curious objects that are kept.
When a citizen finds and hands in a forgotten object, it is coded and registered in a central database.
Key information, such as the date of the find, location (subway or bus) and a brief description of the object, is stored for tracking.
All these objects are gathered at the TMB Information and Attention Point at Sagrada Familia (L5), which serves as the epicenter for the collection and delivery of lost objects from both the metro and the bus.
Unclaimed items on public transport in Barcelona
After 21 days from the date of receipt, lost items containing official documentation or serial numbers, such as ID cards, passports or cell phones, are handed over to the Barcelona City Council.
The pink cards, companion passes and the T-green card are sent to Cetramsa, the entity in charge of managing the social securities. On the other hand, the cards integrated in the T-mobilitat system are destroyed to protect the privacy of the users.
Unclaimed and useful objects (clothes in good condition or umbrellas) are delivered to the humanitarian NGO Conductors Solidaris de Catalunya.
Recovering the forgotten
For those citizens who have lost something on the metro or bus networks can complete an online form, providing details about the lost item. Or call the information telephone number 900 70 11 49 from the day after the loss.
In both cases, they will be asked for a detailed description of the object. If the object is located, the citizen must go to the Sagrada Familia TMB Point to retrieve it.
You will be asked to show your ID and sign a document as proof of delivery. In the case of cell phones, the SIM card password is required as an additional verification measure.
Lost and found: beyond the ordinary
The season of the year influences the nature of forgetfulness. During the summer, towels, sunglasses and umbrellas are more common, while during exam periods, school folders and backpacks are found. Rainy days increase the number of umbrellas, gloves, hats and scarves.
There are also unusual findings over time. From bicycles, wheelchairs and checks to dentures, fishing rods and irons, the collection of lost objects reveals the diversity of everyday life.
