Tenerife Expands Free Demand Transport Service
The Cabildo of Tenerife has awarded a contract to expand the free Demand Transport Service (TAD) to five areas of the island. According to the island institution, the aim is to “improve connectivity in municipalities” with lower population density and in areas with poor access to conventional public transport.
### Investment and Duration
This initiative involves an investment of over 2.5 million euros and will last for four years, including any extensions. The contract not only covers the service provision but also includes the establishment of a technological platform and a user support centre to manage bookings, coordinate routes, and provide real-time information.
### Geographic Areas Covered
The new service will be deployed in five geographic zones:
– Tacoronte-El Sauzal;
– Santa Úrsula-La Victoria-La Matanza;
– Los Silos-El Tanque-Garachico-La Guancha-San Juan de la Rambla;
– Arico-Fasnia; and
– Güímar.
According to Cabildo data, the potential population to be served in these 14 municipalities totals 54,106 individuals, out of a total population of 131,688. They state that ‘potential population’ refers to those residing in areas more than 400 metres away from public transport stops with infrequent services, specifically buses with a frequency of over 30 minutes.
### Service Operation Hours
The service will operate on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each area will have a minimum of two vehicles available, although this offer can be expanded to four depending on demand. This expansion follows the service introduced in 2024 in Fasnia, Arico, and Güímar, which, according to the Cabildo, “has improved mobility” for more than 13,000 residents in difficult-to-access areas of these municipalities.
