Puerto de la Cruz Launches First Urban Bus Line
Puerto de la Cruz launched its first urban bus line, Line 385, on February 9, establishing a circular route that connects key town services and significantly enhances resident independence and sustainable transport options.
Puerto de la Cruz launched its first urban bus line on Monday, February 9. This new service is a big step forward for public transport in the Tenerife town. The new route aims to improve public transport and also meets a long-standing request from residents. People especially wanted better connections to important services and a greener way to get around town.
The bus follows a circular route, connecting important places in the town centre. It starts at the Bus Station and goes through areas like El Durazno, El Botánico, Hospiten Bellevue hospital, Taoro Park, and the Casco Botánico Health Center, before returning to the station. Buses run every 40 minutes.
While not many people used the bus at first – which is normal for a new service – several residents have already started taking it. For many, this direct link to hospitals, clinics, and other key places significantly improves their quality of life and independence. Dolores Rodríguez, who lives in El Durazno, said the service is a relief. It means she no longer has to walk long distances or pay for taxis every time she has a medical appointment. People had been asking for this service for years, according to what residents told us.
Manuel Herrera, a retired resident from Taoro, highlighted how the bus line gives people more independence, especially for older residents who used to rely on family or taxis to get to medical appointments. Not having a direct bus to health centres was a common complaint in areas like Taoro and San Nicolás. Many people had to walk long distances or take other buses that dropped them far from home. Families like Laura Pérez's also find the new service makes daily life easier. It avoids walks of over half an hour or the need for bus changes that still left people far from where they wanted to be.
However, while people are generally happy, they also hope for future expansions. Resident José Martín noted that the La Vera Health Center is the only major health facility not currently on the Line 385 route. He hopes this will change with future plans to extend the service.
Besides benefiting users directly, the new Line 385 fits into Puerto de la Cruz's wider plan for more sustainable transport. Local resident Daniel Martín pointed out that by connecting key parts of the town effectively, this initiative will help reduce the number of private cars on the road.