The PSOE “urges the Tenerife Council not to proceed with the expansion of the tram through Los Majuelos Avenue.” The socialist group in the island corporation criticizes the government’s disregard for the neighbors’ opinions and has presented a joint motion at today’s plenary session (10:00 a.m., Plenary Hall) involving the Canarian Coalition, Popular Party and Vox to take line 2 from its last stop, Tíncer, to Snowman. The political forces emphasize that “the expansion only covers 600 meters. Furthermore, they consider “speculations regarding other complementary routes that are not on the table” to be “counterproductive.”
Community Engagement
The island’s secretary general, Pedro Martin, and its counterpart in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Patricia Hernandez, met with residents to address their concerns. The PSOE believes that “the proposal disregards the residents’ overwhelming rejection of the tram passing through Los Majuelos Avenue, which serves as the sole recreational area for the community.” Martin was accompanied by the island spokesperson, Aarón Afonso.
Resident Standpoint
Domingo Chávez Perdomo, spokesperson for the La Unión de La Gallega Neighborhood Association and the Civic Front of the Southern District, opposes extending the tram to the Snowman stop, citing concerns about the potential adverse impact on Los Majuelos Avenue, a vital green space for the Southwest district. Chávez emphasizes the lack of citizen consultation for the sudden project proposal and advocates for the route to follow the initial course along Avenida de las Hespérides. He also disputes the validity of a survey that allegedly showed 95% support for the proposed route, describing it as “biased and deceptive” due to selective questioning. According to Chávez, over 8,000 signatures have been collected against this route.
Policy Stance
Patricia Hernández stresses the availability of an alternative expansion route for Line 2 along Las Hespérides Avenue, aligning with the residents’ preferences. Pedro Martín emphasizes the need for the Council and City Council to heed citizen input and explore feasible solutions to address their concerns.
Proposal Overview
The proposal for today’s plenary session urges the Tenerife Cabildo to proceed with the tram line 2 extension to the Snowman stop after obtaining mandatory reports, conducting a public information process and reaching an agreement with the Santa Cruz City Council. It emphasizes the Island Council’s commitment to expanding the tram and railway network. The initial action involves a 600-meter extension, adding one more stop to the current Line 2 between La Cuesta and Tíncer. The proposal assures that the only intended route is to the Snowman and guarantees citizen participation in the next expansion phase.
