Santa Cruz de Tenerife Launches €29.6 Million Public Transport Modernization Plan
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has launched a €29.6 million modernization project to replace its aging bus fleet with 61 new hybrid, electric, and diesel vehicles by 2029 to improve service reliability and environmental sustainability.
Public transport in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is undergoing a long-overdue transformation. The city council has launched an ambitious plan to replace a bus fleet that is, on average, 20 years old and has struggled to maintain reliable service. This modernization project, which will run until 2029, aims to improve efficiency while meeting European standards for greener urban transport.
The project involves a €29.6 million investment, split into eight separate contracts. The new fleet will feature 40 hybrid buses—including seven large 18-meter articulated vehicles—alongside 17 fully electric buses and four diesel units. This mix is a strategic choice: diesel engines will be used for steep, hilly routes, while low- or zero-emission vehicles will handle flatter terrain to maximize energy efficiency.
Local officials view this as a major turning point for the city. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez described the initiative as an unprecedented effort to meet the public’s demand for better quality and punctuality. Mobility Councilor Evelyn Alonso added that the new vehicles are essential for improving service frequency and meeting modern environmental requirements.
To support these changes, the city is also upgrading its infrastructure. The transport interchange will be expanded to include a dedicated charging terminal for the new hybrid and electric buses. This facility will be built on an adjacent plot of land, with the City Council and the transport company Titsa collaborating on the development and funding. Through these efforts, Santa Cruz aims to bring its transport network up to the sustainability standards seen in other major Spanish cities.