SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 16th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Two students, David Bonalde and Andrea Carrero, who are in their third year of studying Business Administration and Management at the University of La Laguna, have presented a plan to enhance transportation between the educational institute and the southern region of Tenerife. Their proposal suggests initiating bus services connecting these areas, akin to the shuttle lines 606 and 608 that currently operate in the north.
Garnering 2,336 physical signatures from students and securing support from 2,590 individuals through an online survey, the proposal has gained momentum. The university’s rector, Francisco García, has expressed his backing by signing a letter to aid in advancing the proposal before the pertinent authorities.
Stemming from their personal challenges, as residents of Adeje and San Miguel de Abona, having to endure daily commutes lasting between four to six hours to and from the university, Bonalde and Carrero were inspired to propose this solution. Upon learning of shuttle services created by Titsa linking northern towns, they envisaged a comparable service for the southern towns. They meticulously drafted a well-researched proposal, accessible via the campaign’s dedicated website.
The proposal outlines two prospective routes for the new services. The first route suggests terminating at the La Laguna Interchange, enhancing connectivity with other bus routes and the tram system. Originating from Costa Adeje, this line will feature stops at pivotal locations like Los Cristianos, San Isidro, Güímar, and Candelaria, with scheduled departures every 25 to 30 minutes to align with the commuters’ needs. The second route, more direct in nature, will have the same stops as the former but will conclude at the university campus, mirroring the operation of shuttle lines 606 and 608 from the north that terminate at the General Lecture Hall.
As a supportive measure, the proposal suggests incorporating specific timings for arrival at the university at 8:30 a.m. and departure at 2:00 p.m. For the afternoon shift, the proposed arrival time at the campus is 3:00 p.m., with departures starting from 8:30 p.m.
The proposal presents a data-driven approach, highlighting that out of the approximately 19,335 students at the University of La Laguna, 3,311 hail from the southern region and 3,846 from the north. Consequently, with less than a 3% variance between the two areas, the initiative propagators argue that it is essential for students from both regions to enjoy equal rights and benefits. They believe it is a matter of ethics, justice, and the fundamental right for every individual to access the same privileges as their fellow citizens.
Additionally, Bonalde and Carrero enumerate several other advantages linked to introducing these bus services, including financial savings for southern students’ families by negating the need for lodgings, allowances, and fuel expenses. It would streamline tourist access to La Laguna through a more sustainable travel option, aid in lowering rental prices in La Laguna by decreasing the demand for student accommodation, alleviate congestion on existing routes and stops, reduce private vehicle usage and road congestion, thereby promoting sustainable mobility and environmental preservation.
