SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
A significant step towards environmental sustainability will be taken by the Tenerife Cabildo as they implement the new ‘ecoguaguas’, resulting in a reduction of 7,253 tons of greenhouse gases. This announcement was made by the Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila, during a visit on Monday to the offices and central workshop of Titsa for the inspection of the advanced technological features of the new buses.
Dávila stated, “The Cabildo de Tenerife has a longstanding commitment to improving public transport, and the introduction of a more eco-friendly fleet is a vital aspect that will enhance the quality of air and life for the residents of Tenerife.”
Additionally, the Cabildo president shared data on the ridership of Titsa buses in the first quarter of the year. “Titsa has transported 19.9 million passengers, a 24.6% increase compared to last year’s 16 million. This surge of around 4 million (3.9 million) passengers highlights the significance of providing free public transport, which has proven to be a key factor in encouraging bus usage over private vehicles. The Cabildo de Tenerife is committed to ensuring that free public transport continues, even with the increased budget from the Government of Spain.”
Accompanied by the Minister of Mobility, Eulalia García, and the Minister of Highways, Dámaso Arteaga, the president of the insular Corporation oversaw the equipment and inspection of the 75 new buses out of the 250 that will be added to the fleet. This represents the largest investment in public transport in the history of the Cabildo de Tenerife, amounting to 88.48 million euros, with the objective of enhancing sustainable mobility by introducing new routes and reinforcing heavily trafficked routes in the North and South of the Island.
The new buses, with 70% being hybrid, will replace the current fleet that is over a decade old, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions and a 30% savings in fossil fuel consumption. Furthermore, all buses are equipped with accessibility features, positioning Titsa as the third-largest public transport company in Spain with the most modern and sustainable fleet.
These new buses will enable the rejuvenation of the ageing fleet, retiring rented vehicles and reducing the average age of interurban buses to 3 years, moving away from the prevalent leasing system for many fleet units.
Moreover, all buses will be disability-friendly, a substantial improvement as currently only 60% of operative buses are adapted. The vehicles come with a four-year warranty, extended to seven years for hybrid vehicle batteries. In addition to the new buses, other recent initiatives include the recruitment of 67 new drivers, with 25 having completed their training.
