On Thursday, the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, announced that the corporation plans to kick off the southern train project starting with the San Isidro-Adeje section, with an estimated cost of nearly €800 million.
This announcement was made in a press conference in the company of the Minister of the Presidency, Administration and Public Service, Territorial Planning and Historical Heritage, José Miguel Ruano, who emphasized that advancing the railway development of the island is an “inevitable goal.”
Dávila specified that technical projects need updating after four years of stagnation under the PSOE-CS Government. The environmental impact declaration has expired, and modifications need to be made to the Tenerife Island Planning Plan (PIOT), which will require at least one year of work.
If the project secures the necessary funding and receives technical and legal approval, the construction is expected to last around four years.
The president highlighted the “full support” of the Ministry of Transport for the initiatives of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which translates, as indicated by the department headed by Óscar Puente, into a commitment to form a working group and evaluate the feasibility of the trains.
Despite this, Dávila is confident that there won’t be obstacles in securing the necessary funds as the €4 billion total cost of the projects on the two main islands “is not a significant amount” for the State network. She mentioned that the project aligns with the EU’s decarbonization goals, for which there are ample funds available, in addition to contributions from the central and Canarian governments and the Cabildo itself through Metrotenerife.
Dávila pointed out that the San Isidro-Adeje route was chosen due to its daily ridership of half a million people (93% are residents) and its proximity to an industrial zone, airport, port, hospital, and major employment hubs.
In fact, she noted that this train section would be the second busiest in terms of passengers per kilometre, surpassed only by the Madrid commuter train.
She emphasised that the train project is both economically and environmentally “beneficial” and offers a “solution” to the island’s mobility challenges. Dávila expressed disappointment that the ministry had no communication with the Cabildo over the past four years.
🛤 Tenerife is committed to railway systems to advance more sustainable mobility. pic.twitter.com/W6dqLiPP0U
— Rosa Davila (@rdavmam) March 7, 2024
The Northern Train Project Progresses at a Slower Pace
It was mentioned that documentation for the northern train project was also submitted to the Ministry, but it was admitted that they are not as advanced. They are exploring alternatives that are less intrusive on the territory, such as a tram-train that could potentially reach El Sauzal, albeit at a slower speed than the southern train.
Revamping Transportation in Tenerife: The Debate Continues
Ruano highlighted the importance of securing the necessary funds for the ministry’s projects. The next step involves updating various initiatives, potentially integrating Tenerife into the national railway system, and amending the PIOT to accommodate road networks.
Critics Question Viability of Train System in Tenerife
A recent study recommended prioritising the development of Bus-HOV lanes, park and ride facilities, and tram extensions over constructing a railway network in Tenerife. Despite these findings, the current administration seems inclined to pursue the train project.
The preferred alternative, as per the study, includes various road infrastructure improvements, such as a ring road, highway burials, and Bus-HOV lanes. This option, estimated at 1,492 million Euros, proves to be more cost-effective than the proposed train system, with added benefits for traffic flow and public transport accessibility.
The study also highlights that several alternative proposals rank higher than the train project. However, the authorities seem determined to push forward with their plans for a Tenerife railway network.
Initial assessments suggest that investing in road enhancements should take precedence over railway developments. The completion of existing road projects with efficient transportation systems in place is essential. Specific railway expansions in various regions are still under review due to budget constraints.
Proposals for a train connection from Santa Cruz to the South Airport raise concerns about potential road congestion. Addressing traffic bottlenecks along highways remains a key consideration for future infrastructure projects.
