Puerto de la Cruz's New Line 385 Bus Proves Instant Hit

A new bus service, line 385, has just started in Puerto de la Cruz, run by Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife (Titsa). Even though it's only been running for about a week, people in the area are already very happy with it.

Local news reports that this new bus connects the town center with neighborhoods that didn't have much public transport before, like El Durazno, El Botánico, and the Taoro area. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes.

The service runs Monday to Friday, from 7:15 AM to 9:05 PM. Users have given it positive feedback because it makes it easier to get to important places like the Bellevue clinic and the Casco Botánico health center. This is a big improvement for residents in higher or more remote areas who used to rely on their cars or taxis. Inside the bus, messages remind passengers about good manners and how to use the service properly, covering things like seating, signaling for stops, and keeping noise down.

Many users feel this bus was long overdue, especially for connecting areas with steep hills or previously cut-off communities like Boca Tauce. However, people already have some requests. They mainly want more frequent buses, service on weekends, and longer hours during the summer so they can get to the beaches. Some passengers have also mentioned that certain parts of the route are quite long, and they've suggested distinguishing between buses for daily travel and those for tourists or leisure.

Ambrosio Hernández, Titsa's operations director, said these requests are being considered. However, whether they can be implemented depends on the funding from the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Puerto de la Cruz City Council. The island's Mobility department will conduct a study to see if these changes are possible. Hernández explained that when a new service starts, there's an initial month to adjust schedules. A more detailed review happens after three months and with the change of seasons, which will help them decide on any modifications.

A smaller bus, with 22 seats, was chosen to get the service running quickly. This allows for an initial assessment before considering larger vehicles, which would technically be better suited for the number of people and expected demand. The first week's results show that the bus is often full, depending on the time of day, which matches the company's expectations. Drivers, like Emiliano Luis, have noted that the route is straightforward except for the challenging climb to Taoro. He confirmed the high demand, saying the bus is "almost always full" and many people are using it to get familiar with the new connection.

This new line joins Titsa's existing urban network in Puerto de la Cruz, which includes routes 381, 382, and 383. It shows a commitment to sustainable transport and better connections in northern Tenerife. The trial period and ongoing reviews will be crucial in deciding the future and possible expansion of this vital service for the daily lives of Puerto de la Cruz residents.