Santa Cruz Emphasises Guided Mobility for Strategic Future
Santa Cruz is positioning guided mobility as a key element in the city’s strategic future. The focus is on the implementation of trains heading both south and north of the island, as well as the connection from La Gallega to the rest of the municipality via the tram line.
Strategic Railway Activation
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has advocated for the activation of rail mobility and the extension of the tram to La Gallega as two strategic projects for the capital. These initiatives aim to transform the municipality’s connection with the rest of the island and address transportation needs in the Southwest.
Bermúdez believes that trains must depart from Santa Cruz in both northern and southern directions to enhance the city’s role as a major insular connection hub. He argues that this is not just about adding infrastructure, but rather a significant commitment for a city seeking to overcome decades of lag in railway development. The goal is to align Santa Cruz with other capitals that have integrated this mode of transport into their urban development.
Tram Extension to La Gallega
This forward-looking vision includes the new extension of the tram line towards La Gallega, which Bermúdez presents as essential for the Southwest. He has made it clear that this part of the city requires a tram service, as it encompasses one of the fastest-growing population areas in recent years.
According to Bermúdez, the debate is not whether to construct the tram line, but rather the specific route it should take. “If it does not go through Los Majuelos, it will need to go through Las Hespérides, but it must happen,” he emphasised, highlighting the importance of executing the extension to ensure the Southwest is integrated into a more modern and efficient public transport network.
“Non-Negotiable” Objectives
The commitment to rail and tram infrastructure stems from the belief that Santa Cruz must enhance its connectivity to continue growing without being hampered by traffic congestion. Bermúdez views these two infrastructure projects as opportunities for the capital’s growth, aimed at improving mobility, linking neighbourhoods, and enhancing the quality of life.
In this context, the activation of trains and the tram extension to La Gallega are not viewed as isolated projects, but rather as integral components of a unified urban strategy deemed “non-negotiable.”
