The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, announced on Wednesday the initiation of a mobility strategy in the hamlet of Masca, which involves the introduction of a Guaguas Shuttle for individuals wishing to undertake the descent along the path.
During a press conference outlining the decisions made by the Governing Council, she stated that four Guaguas, each accommodating 18 passengers, will depart every twenty minutes from Santiago del Teide, commencing service on the upcoming Good Friday.
This route will be associated with the ‘EcoTasa’ of Masca, meaning that the 275 individuals permitted daily to descend the path – from Friday to Sunday – must do so on the Guagua Shuttle, a measure designed to reduce the number of cars by approximately 100 per day.
The shuttle will remain free for local residents, while Canarian inhabitants will be charged five euros and tourists ten euros.
Buses will depart from the Titsa stop adjacent to the Town Hall in Santiago del Teide, and users of La Guagua Achalera will have the option to leave their private vehicles free of charge in a designated parking area established by the local council next to the cemetery.
Dávila clarified that, for the moment, it is “not on the agenda” to limit private vehicle access to the hamlet, as it is essential to balance the life of local residents with the activities of businesses in the area. Nonetheless, she mentioned that a meeting will be held on April 9 with local residents and the Council of Buenavista to discuss these measures and gather their feedback.
“Masca is not merely a tourist attraction; it is a populated hamlet deserving of peace, security, and respect,” she stated, emphasising that this mobility initiative may serve as a model for future projects to be implemented in the Anaga massif or Teide National Park.
The president also noted ongoing discussions with the General Directorate of Traffic to establish a one-way system for buses entering and exiting the hamlet, aimed at preventing traffic congestion.
Additionally, the local council is in negotiations concerning some expropriations to facilitate the construction of apartments along the access road, rehabilitate the infrastructure, and enhance police presence at viewpoints and parking areas.
Officials at the Cabildo are hopeful that these measures will help to “alleviate” the crowding frequently experienced in the hamlet; should it fail to do so, the potential for increasing restrictions will be considered.
