The Tenerife Island Council, represented by the Interurban Transport of Tenerife (Titsa), revealed last October the approval of two new bus routes to the University of La Laguna (ULL) with the goal of “enhancing mobility, particularly for the university community residing in the north of the Island.” The lengthy queues for the TF-5, connectivity issues, and the necessity of private vehicles for commuting underscore the significance of this decision in improving the transportation infrastructure for university students living in the northern region of the Island.
Consequently, students of ULL residing in the southern municipalities anticipate a similar transport initiative to address their commuting challenges. This prompted Andrea Carrero and David Bonalde, two third-year Business Administration students at the University of La Laguna, to establish “Propuesta Línea de Guagua”. This initiative includes accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and a website, aiming to gather signatures from individuals and students to advocate for the implementation of the first direct bus service linking the south of the Island with the La Laguna interchange. “With the help of our friend, Danitza Gonzáles, we managed to create content for social media and develop the website,” Andrea explained.
David resides in Llano del Camello, San Miguel de Abona, while Andrea is based in Adeje. “During our first year at university, with afternoon classes, unable to afford accommodation, we opted to commute daily. Initially, it seemed manageable, but gradually the mental and physical fatigue set in. We would leave at 9:00 in the morning and return by 11:00 p.m.,” discussed the student pair.
On their website, they highlighted that “an average student from the South spends between four to six hours travelling to and from the university campus.” This initiative doesn’t only cater to students but also, as they articulated: “Aids residents needing to reach La Laguna and tourists eager to explore the entirety of Tenerife Island.”
Disparity between Northern and Southern Students
One of the focal points of their proposal concerns reducing carbon emissions. It also emphasises the time saved for students, which “can be utilised for studying or relaxation,” as per Andrea. “We are accustomed to encountering the realities of roads and bus stops: queues, delays, sweltering heat while waiting for buses, likelihood of overcrowded buses necessitating a wait for the next one… these daily challenges are often overlooked,” expressed David. “While we acknowledge the higher student population in the North, it’s perplexing that the transport issues of students in both regions remain unresolved,” Carrero remarked.
“Inequality in Motion”
Recalling the day three buses bypassed them, David shared, “We watched as three 010 buses ignored us, not stopping. It was disheartening.” The catalyst for their initiative was the approval of the shuttle project serving northern municipalities to the University. “That was the final straw for us,” they recounted. The absence of a similar service for the southern region symbolises “an inequality among students.” “While there are eight bus services connecting the northern area with La Laguna, there isn’t a single service connecting the southern municipalities. This disparity is glaring,” Andrea noted.
Andrea and David acknowledge the challenges in realising their project, but for them, it’s straightforward: “It’s a trade-off between staying close to family and friends or being distant from them.” Andrea highlighted a common plight among many students: “The idea of commuting daily for education isn’t glamorous, but it’s a reality that needs addressing.” They address concerns about retaining “Canarian talent” and how their proposal aids in retaining top students. “The Bus Line proposal combats brain drain in the Canary Islands,” she affirmed.
Support Gathered
“The support received has been remarkable. We’ve acquired 2,336 physical signatures and 2,875 online endorsements. Students, parents, and members of the public have shown solidarity, yet more support is required,” acknowledged David. They expressed a sense of disconnect from governmental bodies. However, they lauded ULL for their support, highlighting that “the university has played a pivotal role in advancing our proposal; even the rector endorsed our cause and forwarded the proposal to local authorities,” David proudly stated. They held a meeting with the rector, Francisco Javier García Rodríguez, last year.
No other institution, politician, or entity has publicly backed their cause. Despite the challenges ahead, their commitment remains unwavering.
