The University of La Laguna is gearing up to launch a digital parking management system to support vehicles with high occupancy and those arriving from the northern and southern parts of the island at the beginning of the upcoming academic year.
This was revealed by the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, and the rector of the ULL, Francisco García, during a press briefing following a collaborative meeting between the two institutions where a comprehensive assessment of joint initiatives was conducted.
Dávila stated that the start of the next academic year would be the “optimal timing” for members of the university community to have access to the digital application and all requisite information to ensure a smooth usage of parking facilities without any confusion.
She emphasised that mobility on the island needs to be “relieved”, highlighting that travelling alone in a private vehicle is “unsustainable,” hence the promotion of carpooling.
In a similar vein, she mentioned the success of shuttle buses in the north, with a doubling of users, and announced that services in the south will commence in September. With the new application, routes can be “discriminated” to determine whether it is more advantageous to reach a college by bus or tram.
Additionally, efforts are underway to pilot staggered and flexible schedules in certain faculties to enhance mobility.
Dávila also revealed that the Mobility Chair has expressed willingness to collaborate in the implementation of fees for accessing natural spaces, reiterating that the ULL plays a pivotal role in the economic and social advancement of the island.
She stressed the need to continue the “strategic partnership” with the ULL, especially considering the island’s lowest unemployment rate since 2008 and the understanding that enhanced education increases employability prospects.
FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
“Together with the University, the Cabildo of Tenerife can serve as a launching platform for knowledge transfer, nurturing young individuals who choose to start their own ventures. We have the necessary infrastructure and scientific platforms, collaborated with the University, which we aim to emphasise,” she remarked.
Advocating for a “shift in the economic framework” wherein certain subsectors like the “blue economy” or renewable energies play a more significant role, she added, “For this, we require not only knowledge but also well-prepared individuals.”
The rector commended the “outstanding” coordination between the ULL and the Cabildo in various spheres such as employability and internationalisation, including a “European consortium” comprising nine universities to establish a link between Tenerife and Europe in higher education.”
He also highlighted the revitalisation of the ‘Talentum’ programme and enhancements in student residences, meal vouchers, and dissemination of information to youngsters.
García expressed confidence that the digital parking management system, along with the launch of shuttle buses from the South and staggered entry timings, will reduce traffic congestion effectively.
