Rise in Public Transport Use in Anaga Rural Park
Public transport in Anaga Rural Park has seen a significant rise, serving over 478,000 passengers this year, up from 300,000 at the start of 2023. This 59% increase highlights a growing shift towards public transport in one of Tenerife’s most cherished natural sites.
Eulalia García, the island’s Mobility Councillor, presented these figures during a council meeting. She emphasised the collaboration between the Cabildo, the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna, to strengthen transport services in the area. “The data shows that when administrations enhance services, the public responds. More people are choosing to use the bus in Anaga, and we want to continue this trend,” she stated.
Over the past three years, the number of available seats has increased from 1.3 million to 1.8 million, a 38% boost. Additionally, the distance travelled by buses rose by 18%, from 555,000 to 651,000 kilometres.
Investment in Infrastructure
Since 2023, the Cabildo has invested over 16.2 million euros in mobility projects, including road improvements and safety measures. This year alone, 1.8 million euros are allocated for road safety upgrades in Anaga, covering works such as surface rehabilitation, slope stabilisation, and improved signage.
Sustainable Mobility Strategy
In her address, García also discussed the Sustainable Mobility Strategy for Anaga Rural Park, which is open for community feedback before its final approval. This strategy includes 24 measures and 68 specific actions aimed at managing access and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Key focus areas include regulating private vehicle access, enhancing public transport, promoting active mobility, and ensuring digital management. A significant element of the strategy is the comprehensive restructuring of regular public transport in conjunction with the natural resources division.
Once community feedback is collected, the Cabildo will establish a Mobility Forum for the Anaga Biosphere Reserve to facilitate ongoing coordination among various authorities and ensure effective implementation of the proposed measures.
“We recognise there is much work ahead, and we will continue to collaborate with local councils, security forces, and the residents of Anaga to improve mobility and protect this invaluable natural space for our island,” García concluded.
