SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 26th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The proposed extension of the tram line to Las Teresitas comes with a hefty price tag of €164 million, with estimated benefits for around 30,000 residents. This extension includes the first section from the Fairgrounds to the North Pier and a second section that would connect to the beach.
These details were presented on Friday before the Plenary by Minister of Mobility, Eulalia García, in response to inquiries from the Socialist Group. Garcia emphasized the necessity of completing the entire line in both sections, which includes workshops and depots.
Highlighting the importance of mobility as a top priority for the government, Garcia mentioned that all rail and tram projects are currently under review. However, in the case of the Las Teresitas line, there has not been a demand study conducted.
In justifying the tram extension, the number of users on the Titsa line 910 was referenced. Last year, this line transported over 1.9 million passengers to the beach, marking a 46% increase in traffic. On weekdays, there were approximately 170 round trips, and on holidays and weekends, there were around 140 trips – without accounting for any additional services.
Aarón Afonso, spokesperson for the Socialist Group, criticised Vice President and Minister of Tourism, Lope Afonso, for not taking a clear stance on whether the Cabildo will support the proposed line in response to Santa Cruz City Council’s request.
Afonso stated that they will not give preference to the requests from the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council led by the PP. He also noted that Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez (CC), seems more focused on seizing power through ‘Greener Santa Cruz’ and projecting influence in FEMP and Parliament rather than on this tram extension project.
Nevertheless, the socialists believe that extending the tram line to Las Teresitas should not be a top priority.
Lope Afonso intervened to criticise the socialists for getting bogged down in matters outside their jurisdiction and affirmed that commitments made in the Plenary Council will be upheld, referring to the Los Majuelos expansion.
