Tenerife to Implement Free Public Transport and Enhanced On-Demand Services by 2026
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Cabildo de Tenerife has officially announced that public buses and trams will remain free for frequent users until 2026. This decision marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility and enhancing the overall public transport experience on the island.
Strategic Investment in Public Transport Infrastructure
This pivotal decision was confirmed during a council meeting held on Wednesday, where it was also disclosed that an additional €2.5 million will be earmarked to expand on-demand transport services across the island. The president of the island, Rosa Dávila, expressed her optimism regarding the sustainability of this initiative. She highlighted the recent approval from the Spanish Congress to extend the free transport provision under the sustainable mobility law, which provides a solid foundation for the initiative.
Dávila assured the public that the Cabildo is committed to securing the necessary funding to maintain this free service until 2026. The statistics speak volumes about the demand for public transport in the region, with public buses facilitating approximately 80 million trips and the tram system recording around 25 million trips. These figures underscore the critical role that public transport plays in the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.
Broadening Access to On-Demand Transport Services
The on-demand transport service, which has already been successfully implemented for 20,000 residents in Fasnia, Arico, and Güímar, is set to be expanded throughout the entire island. Tenerife will be strategically divided into five zones, covering twelve municipalities, including areas that currently lack regular intercity transport services. This expansion aims to ensure that more residents have access to reliable and convenient transport options.
In addition to the initial regions, the free on-demand transport service will now be available in several new areas, including:
- Los Silos-El Tanque-Garachico
- Tacoronte-El Sauzal-La Matanza-La Victoria-Santa Úrsula
- La Guancha-San Juan de la Rambla
This expansion is expected to significantly enhance mobility for residents in these areas, providing them with greater flexibility and ease of access to essential services and amenities.
Enhancements in Infrastructure and Landscape Regeneration
Beyond the transport initiatives, the government council has allocated over €3 million for landscape regeneration and road safety improvements at the access point to Santa Cruz de Tenerife via Mercatenerife. This ambitious project aims to revitalize 60,000 square meters of an area currently deemed severely degraded, transforming it into a more welcoming and functional space for both residents and visitors.
In a further effort to improve urban infrastructure, the council has decided to transfer ownership of the TF-141 road to Tegueste Town Hall. This transfer will be accompanied by a grant of €500,000 aimed at enhancing urban development and addressing pedestrian and vehicle conflicts along the route between Las Canteras and Pedro Álvarez. Such measures are essential for ensuring the safety and convenience of all road users.
Moreover, a €60,000 increase has been approved for managing access to Punta de Teno, which is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Additionally, a separate contract worth €560,000 will be implemented to regulate vehicle flow to the Anaga Nature Reserve. This will include the installation of fixed controls and an information panel at the Jardina viewpoint to inform visitors about parking availability at Cruz del Carmen, thereby improving the overall visitor experience.
Lastly, the Cabildo will contribute €1.9 million, representing 40% of the total cost, towards a project to construct 24 homes in Arafo, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Government and the local council. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address housing needs in the region. Another approved proposal includes an advance payment of €18 million to the state entity Aqualias for sanitation and water purification projects, further demonstrating the Cabildo’s commitment to improving essential services for its residents.
Key points
- Tenerife’s public transport will remain free until 2026.
- A funding allocation of €2.5 million will enhance on-demand transport services.
- Public buses have recorded 80 million trips, while trams have seen 25 million.
- The on-demand service will expand to five zones covering twelve municipalities.
- Over €3 million is allocated for landscape regeneration and road safety improvements.
- The TF-141 road will be transferred to Tegueste Town Hall with a €500,000 grant.
- €1.9 million will support the construction of 24 homes in Arafo.
