SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The University of La Laguna is set to implement digital parking management to benefit high-occupancy vehicles and those travelling from the north and south of the island at the start of the next academic year.
This announcement was made 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 where various joint initiatives were discussed.
Dávila stated that the beginning of the next academic year is the “ideal moment” for members of the university community to have access to the digital application and all necessary information in order to avoid any disruptions in the usage of parking facilities.
The president emphasized that easing mobility on the island is crucial, highlighting the unsustainability of single-person private vehicle journeys and advocating for carpooling.
She mentioned the success of shuttle buses in the north, which have doubled the number of users, and announced that services in the south will commence from September. Additionally, with the new application, routes can be tailored to identify the most efficient mode of transport to reach a college, whether by bus or tram.
Efforts are also being made on a trial basis to implement flexible hours in some faculties to enhance mobility.
Dávila revealed that the Mobility Chair has offered its collaboration in implementing a fee to access natural areas and stressed that the ULL serves as a crucial platform for the island’s economic and social advancement.
She stressed the importance of maintaining the strategic partnership with ULL, especially considering the current low unemployment rates – the lowest since 2008 – underscoring the correlation between higher education and employability prospects.
CATALYST FOR EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
“The Cabildo of Tenerife, in conjunction with the University, can act as a catalyst for knowledge transfer, fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals who can establish and grow their enterprises. We possess the necessary infrastructure and scientific platforms, shared with the University, that we aim to leverage,” she remarked.
Advocating for a shift in the economic landscape, she highlighted the increasing importance of sectors such as the “blue economy” and renewable energies, underscoring the need for a skilled workforce.
The rector applauded the excellent coordination between ULL and the Cabildo across various domains including employability and internationalization, as well as the establishment of a European partnership involving nine universities to facilitate educational ties with Europe.
He also mentioned the revitalization of the ‘Talentum’ program and enhancements in student residences, meal vouchers, and dissemination of information to young people.
García expressed optimism that the digital parking management system, coupled with the introduction of shuttle buses in the South and the implementation of staggered entry timings, will help reduce traffic congestion.
