El Rosario Pushes for Better Bus Services, Including Route to Las Lagunetas

El Rosario is pushing for better public transportation. Recently, the local council unanimously agreed on several improvements, including a new bus route to Las Lagunetas and more frequent buses between El Rosario's coast and Santa Cruz.

The council will formally ask the Tenerife Island Council, which is in charge of transportation, to create a regular bus line to Llano de Las Lagunetas. This would provide reliable public transport for residents and could potentially connect to a future bus route to Teide National Park via La Esperanza.

They're also requesting that the Island Council increase how often buses 138 and 139 (Santa Cruz-Radazul-Tabaiba) run, especially on weekends during peak season. Additionally, they want the Titsa line 127 connection to the El Chorrillo-Llano Blanco area restored, or an alternative solution found to ensure residents have bus service.

Other planned actions include urging the Island Council to include on-demand transport in El Rosario in the Island Plan for Sustainable Mobility of Tenerife (Pimsit), with support and funding for existing local initiatives. These agreements will be sent to the Island Council, the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Mobility, and local neighborhood associations.

The need for a bus line to Las Lagunetas was previously discussed at a meeting on July 11, 2024, between the El Rosario City Council, the Neighborhood Association of Llano de Las Lagunetas, local businesses, and the Municipal Corporation. They addressed transportation needs and safety concerns related to forest fire risks. The importance of a bus route along the La Esperanza road (TF-24) towards Teide National Park was emphasized, as it would serve tourists, reduce traffic in the park, and directly benefit Las Lagunetas residents.

Mayor Escolástico Gil (IR-Verdes) explained that El Rosario needs more consistent and effective public transport because there's a significant divide between the upper and lower parts of the municipality. Residents find it easier to travel to neighboring towns like La Laguna or Santa Cruz than to get around within El Rosario itself. He hopes the Island Council will consider the unanimous agreement from the City Council.

Gil also mentioned that the removal of the El Chorrillo connection has caused problems, especially for the elderly and young people. He believes a public transport line to Las Lagunetas is essential and that promoting bus transport from La Esperanza to Teide National Park aligns with the island's goal of sustainable and safe access to the park.