Santa Cruz de Tenerife 13 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The South Train of Tenerife, which will be implemented in stages, is set to establish itself “as the third most utilised closure network in Spain, only exceeded by Madrid and Barcelona,” as emphasised on Thursday by the Cabildo de Tenerife in an announcement. This institution anticipates signing, prior to March, a collaboration protocol with the Ministry of Transportation for a multiannual funding agreement “to progress without interruptions.”
Consequently, once the protocol is signed, the aim is to incorporate it into a multiannual agreement with a ten-year span, potentially extendable to 17 years, which will ensure “financial stability and prevent delays” resulting from fluctuations in the State’s general budgets, as articulated by the island institution in their statement.
“This protocol marks a historic milestone for the sustainable development of our island,” stated the president.
In this context, the island president has emphasised the significance of not relying on annual political choices for an infrastructure “of this magnitude.” Thus, he asserts that the multiannual agreement will provide “the assurance” that the South Train will be executed “with the continuity it necessitates, without the risks of paralysis.”
Dávila has characterised this railway infrastructure as “essential” and crucial for guaranteeing mobility on the island. “We have outlined a strategic plan for its gradual development, ensuring that the initial phase will link San Isidro with Adeje, passing through the South Tenerife airport. This is the first step of a project that will transform how we travel in Tenerife,” Dávila has emphasised.
The island institution reminds us that the Tenerife train will enable connectivity between the metropolitan area and the southern part of the island in just 39 minutes, significantly reducing travel times and dependence on private vehicles. With a capacity of 175,000 passengers per kilometre, its level of utilisation will be six times greater than that of the Cercanías de Sevilla and up to 47 times higher than that of Cantabria.
First phase, San Isidro-Costa Adeje
In the South Train project, the San Isidro – Adeje segment has been prioritised, involving an investment of 800 million euros and covering an extent of 30 kilometres. The estimated travel time for this route is 25 minutes.
Besides alleviating road congestion, this section will link strategic locations on the island, such as the industrial area of Las Chafiras, Tenerife Sur Airport, the port of Los Cristianos, and the Hospital of El Mojón, promoting efficient transportation and employment in these vital areas.
Furthermore, the Cabildo notes that it will also result in the elimination of half a million daily car trips, thus easing the strain on the TF-1, one of the island’s most congested routes.
Environmental impact
According to El Cabildo, there are 3.2 million daily movements in Tenerife, with a vehicle fleet of 900,000. Therefore, the South Train, particularly in the San Isidro-Costa Adeje segment, will facilitate the removal of half a million cars each day, equating to an annual decrease of 72,000 tonnes of CO2.
Additionally, the island institution has scheduled the update of the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) for the South Train Project to commence in September 2024, with a duration of 8 months.
