Tenerife’s public transport recorded over 268,000 journeys during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the island, which took place on 12 June. The buses operated by TITSA and the Metrotenerife tram were essential components of the special operation activated for this day of high attendance, particularly in the metropolitan area.

Highly Satisfactory Operation

According to the assessment by the Cabildo of Tenerife, the operation was carried out with a “highly satisfactory” outcome. It successfully managed the arrival and departure of thousands of participants involved in the events organised due to the Pope’s presence on the island.

Logistical Challenges

The day presented significant logistical challenges due to traffic closures, restrictions on several main roads, and a concentration of over 30,000 people at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife port, where Pope Leo XIV presided over the Farewell Eucharist of his visit to Spain.

TITSA Transported Over 210,000 Passengers

During the event, TITSA recorded 210,045 passengers. To meet the rising demand, the service provided 10,000 extra seats, aiming to facilitate travel to the main locations of the papal visit and reduce private vehicle usage.

The additional bus services were particularly crucial due to the anticipated circulation restrictions in the metropolitan area and the need to manage the flow of attendees to the vicinity of Santa Cruz and La Laguna.

Tram Service Exceeded 58,000 Users

Meanwhile, Metrotenerife transported 58,683 passengers throughout the day. The tram service was adapted to safety requirements by employing double units and maintaining ten-minute frequencies.

Service gradually returned to normal from 14:00 and was fully restored by 16:00, according to the report from the Cabildo.

TF-5 Reopened at 16:00

Mobility posed one of the primary challenges during the Pope’s visit to Tenerife. Nearly a hundred professionals worked specifically on coordinating traffic closures, diversions, and alternative transport options.

The Cabildo reports that the traffic restrictions were executed without any significant incidents. Traffic on the TF-5 was normalised by 16:00, while the rest of the road network resumed its regular operation throughout the afternoon.

The car park at the Santa Cruz Interchange maintained available capacity throughout the day.

Nearly 500 Professionals Involved

The special operation mobilised nearly 500 professionals from various public services and collaborating entities.

The Cabildo of Tenerife activated the Insular Emergency Plan (PEIN) and coordinated a deployment that included personnel from Safety and Emergencies, Tenerife Firefighters, Red Cross, healthcare staff, volunteers, technicians, and employees from TITSA, Metrotenerife, Roads, and other essential services.

More than 400 security personnel participated in the operation. The setup included 18 ambulances, 15 medical patrols, six fire units, nine vehicles from the Advanced Transport of IASS, and over 50 volunteers.

Field Hospital and 53 Medical Incidents

To enhance medical capacity, a field hospital was set up at the Tenerife Fairgrounds.

The medical team attended to 53 incidents, largely related to high temperatures. According to the Cabildo, all issues were resolved with a quick and effective response.

The gathering at the harbour area of Santa Cruz proceeded without notable incidents.

Rosa Dávila Commends the Team Effort

The president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, praised the efforts of all professionals involved and highlighted the island’s capacity to organise complex events.

“Tenerife has once again demonstrated its ability to organise and manage international-scale events effectively, thanks to the coordination between administrations, the professionalism of public services, and the exemplary behaviour of its citizens,” she remarked.

Dávila also expressed gratitude for the attendees’ conduct throughout the day and emphasised that adherence to established guidelines was crucial for the smooth running of the operation.

For the Cabildo, the final assessment shows that the island effectively responded to a significant international event, with particular emphasis on La Laguna, the area around Las Raíces, and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife port.