Push for Direct Transport Links Among Canary Islands

In a recent parliamentary session, a significant call was made for the establishment of direct transport connections among the Canary Islands, specifically targeting the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and improve the quality of life for residents living in these less connected areas.

Advocacy for Enhanced Connectivity

Casimiro Curbelo, a prominent figure representing the Agrupación Socialista Gomera (ASG), has taken the lead in urging the Canary Islands Government to facilitate direct routes between these islands. His proposal emphasizes the need to eliminate the necessity of traveling through the capital islands, Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which currently serve as the main transit hubs. Curbelo suggested that the government should explore various options, including the implementation of Public Service Obligations (PSOs) or forming strategic partnerships with airlines and shipping companies. These measures could create reliable and accessible transport options for the residents of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, who have long been at a disadvantage due to the existing transport limitations.

Travel Inefficiencies and Economic Impact

The current travel situation for residents of El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera is fraught with challenges, primarily due to the lack of direct connections. This deficiency forces residents to transit through the larger islands, resulting in significantly increased travel times and costs. Curbelo highlighted that a journey from El Hierro or La Palma to La Gomera can take over four hours by sea. However, he pointed out that this duration could be dramatically reduced to just an hour and a half with the introduction of direct transport links. Such improvements would not only enhance the daily lives of residents but also stimulate local economies by making it easier for people to travel for work, education, and leisure.

Addressing Port Congestion

In addition to the travel inefficiencies, concerns were raised regarding the congestion at the Port of Los Cristianos. This port serves as a major transit point for over two million passengers annually traveling between these islands. Curbelo noted that establishing direct routes would significantly alleviate pressure on this port, enhancing the overall travel experience for both residents and visitors. The current congestion not only affects the efficiency of transport but also poses challenges for tourism, which is a vital component of the Canary Islands’ economy. Curbelo emphasized the importance of making this initiative a priority during the current parliamentary term, stating that it is essential for promoting territorial cohesion and improving mobility across the archipelago.

Urgent Action Required

The ASG leader has called on the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility to accelerate the development of a clear and actionable plan that includes specific timelines and measurable goals. These goals should relate to transport frequencies, capacity, travel durations, and fare structures for residents. Curbelo reiterated that utilizing PSOs or forming agreements with private transport operators provides a solid foundation for implementing these new connections. He concluded by asserting that this initiative is not only strategically important but also socially and economically advantageous for the residents and the transport infrastructure of the Canary Islands. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as the current transport challenges hinder the potential growth and development of these islands.

Key Points

• Casimiro Curbelo advocates for direct transport links between La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
• The proposal aims to eliminate the need for transit through Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
• Current travel times exceed four hours, which could be reduced to 90 minutes with direct connections.
• Port of Los Cristianos experiences congestion due to high passenger volumes.
• Curbelo calls for a roadmap with clear metrics for implementing these transport links.