Tenerife Cabildo Invests €1.1 Million to Enhance Electric Bus Infrastructure at Los Rodeos Airport

On December 23, 2023, the Tenerife Cabildo made a landmark announcement regarding its commitment to sustainable public transport. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the island’s transportation network and reduce its carbon footprint.

New Contract for Electric Bus Charging Stations

Rosa Dávila, the president of the Tenerife Cabildo, disclosed that a significant contract has been awarded to develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure for electric buses at Los Rodeos Airport, located in La Laguna. This project is a crucial step in the ongoing modernization of the fleet operated by Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife (Titsa), which is the primary public transport provider on the island.

The awarded contract, which amounts to over €1.1 million, has been entrusted to a consortium comprising UTE Etralux S.A. and Iberdrola Clientes S.A.U. The ambitious project is expected to be completed within a six-month timeframe. It encompasses not only the installation of the charging stations but also includes maintenance services that will last for two years, with an option to extend for an additional twelve months if necessary.

President Dávila underscored the significance of this investment, stating that it plays a vital role in fostering a sustainable mobility model for Tenerife. She emphasized that the project meets the technical specifications required for the electric buses that are gradually being integrated into Titsa’s services, which cover both urban and interurban routes.

Project Specifications and Anticipated Benefits

The total expenditure for the execution of this project is €1,163,025.98. In addition to the initial investment, the annual maintenance cost for the electric vehicle charging stations and the associated management software is projected to be €4,979.42. Titsa is also contributing €161,697 towards the overall project cost, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing public transport sustainability.

Eulalia García, the Cabildo’s Mobility Councillor, highlighted that this infrastructure will enable the introduction of eight fully electric buses, which will be the first of their kind in the Canary Islands. These innovative buses are designed to operate on lines 051 and 057 and boast an impressive range of up to 310 kilometres on a single charge, significantly improving the efficiency of public transport on the island.

García reiterated the Cabildo’s dedication to expanding electric bus technology throughout the island’s transport network. The goal is to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly public transport system that meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Support for Cultural Heritage Preservation

In a related initiative, the Cabildo’s Government Council has also approved over €1 million in subsidies aimed at supporting municipalities under the 2023-2027 Insular Historical Heritage Programme. These funds are earmarked for the restoration of culturally significant assets and the development of municipal catalogues and special protection plans for historical sites. This initiative will benefit various municipalities across the island, reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation.

President Dávila remarked that safeguarding historical heritage is crucial for maintaining the island’s collective identity. She noted that such efforts not only preserve the past but also serve as a catalyst for social cohesion and local development, fostering a sense of pride among residents.

Key points

• The Tenerife Cabildo has awarded a €1.1 million contract for electric bus infrastructure at Los Rodeos Airport.
• The contract was given to UTE Etralux S.A.-Iberdrola Clientes S.A.U. and will be completed in six months.
• This project supports the integration of eight fully electric buses into Titsa’s fleet.
• The total execution cost is €1,163,025.98, with annual maintenance costs of €4,979.42.
• Titsa is contributing €161,697 to the project.
• The Cabildo has also approved over €1 million for historical heritage protection initiatives.