Tincer-Snowman, last destination. The plenary session of the Tenerife Council approved on Friday the extension of Tram Line 2 to what has been described as one of the worst monuments in the country, created by the renowned Czech artist Jirí Georg Dokoupil. The commitment is to proceed with the project, including “a public information process and reaching an agreement with the Santa Cruz City Council” where the 600 meters separating the future installation from the last current stop are located. The socialist opposition voted against, citing social rejection of the passage through Los Majuelos Avenue, despite the assertions of the island government that “it is not currently under consideration.”
A group of local residents and business owners displayed signs with the slogan “No to the tram, yes to our avenue” before leaving the room, expressing sentiments such as “thank you for not representing us” or “thank you for lying.” The motion, defended by the nationalist Eulalia García (Mobility) and the popular Manuel Fernandez –with leader Lope Afonso absent from the Island– explains that “the objective of the Cabildo is to expand the tram and railway network of the Island as a means of public transport, cleaner and more energy efficient.”
García emphasized that “the extension of Line 2 to Muñeco de Nieve is the first action to be addressed as it is the most technically and administratively advanced option.” The agreement, supported by CC, PP and Vox, entails “an extension of 600 meters, adding one more stop to the current Line 2, which runs between La Cuesta and Tíncer.”
The Hawthorns, no
The government group reiterated the argument of the two councilors who spoke, stating that “other alternative routes, such as Avenida Los Majuelos, are not under consideration.” They affirmed that “the only one being considered is Muñeco de Nieve.” They added that “the next expansion will involve consultation with the Santa Cruz City Council and will be subject to citizen participation processes.” García and Fernández stated that the expansion will benefit users of the Tíncer Athletics Center, the Dolores Hospital, or the new large emergency center planned by the Canary Islands Government. Mobility, “the most pressing issue for all Tenerife residents”, environmental protection, climate strategy, and the social and economic progress of the region are the primary arguments in favor of guided rail transport “as an ideal intermodal option.” Other factors include the significant population growth on the Island in the last 50 years, surpassing one million people, and a growing fleet of over 800 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants.
On the other hand, the opposition of PSOE, represented by councilor Manuel Martínez, voiced their concerns. He argued that “the expansion of the tram is justified as a solution to the main issue for the citizens of Tenerife, which is mobility,” and added that “this issue manifests in the traffic congestion on the North and South highways. And this cannot be resolved with just 600 meters of line». Martínez, with plans in hand, contended that this extension “already includes Los Majuelos Avenue” and paves the way for future expansion because “the route will not be reverted” to run along Las Hespérides Avenue as requested by the community historically. He referred to the Metropolitano study in 2016, which proposed four stops from Tíncer to La Gallega, covering a distance of 2.5 kilometers. Eulalia García dismissed this proposal. Martínez was firm: “If you say that the line will not pass through Majuelos Avenue, the debate ends.” However, he did not receive a definitive commitment. He demonstrated his understanding of the area, despite confessing to being a long-time resident of the La Salud neighborhood in the capital. Contrary to Manuel Fernández’s claims, he indicated that he resides in the municipality of El Rosario.
Manuel Martínez lamented that “the Government of Rosa Davila does not take into account the opinion of the community,” and that “the president dismisses their representatives from the plenary hall,” referring to the departure after displaying the posters. He accused CC, PP, and Vox of “engaging in post-truth,” distorting reality, and resorting to “and you more.” The councilor emphasized that “the PSOE is not against the expansion of the tram and supports public transport,” but this expansion implies “the encumbrance of Avenida de los Majuelos and the end of sports, leisure, and commercial activities in the area.” He proposed an amendment to the government’s motion, which was rejected. In the end, with the approval of 17 votes in favor and 10 against, “Last stop: Snowman” will become a familiar announcement.
