Santa Cruz Expands Bus Routes, Modernizes Fleet

Santa Cruz de Tenerife's city council is looking into expanding its public transport system. This move comes as more people are asking for better service, especially since bus travel is now free. The council says it's considering new bus routes in different parts of the city to better connect neighborhoods.

The city's Mobility Department is leading this plan, which aims to create specific routes for areas like Ofra, La Alegría, Residencial Anaga, Camino del Hierro, and the Southwest district. For Ofra, they're checking if a circular bus line would work for its upper parts. Because of the hilly terrain and narrow roads, smaller buses might be needed there. Residencial Anaga currently has no local public transport, even though it has places like a hotel on Pérez de Ayala street. The council is looking at extending the existing La Alegría route to cover this area, and they've already tested potential bus stop locations.

Camino del Hierro is also set to get its own dedicated bus route. This comes after residents asked for a service that doesn't rely on the current La Salud line, which doesn't reach all parts of their area. A major proposal focuses on the Southwest district, which is the fastest-growing part of the city. Here, they're suggesting a direct 'elevator line' to connect northern and southern neighborhoods. This would mean people wouldn't have to change buses at the Intercambiador station to travel short distances, saving time. This is particularly important because many schools are located in this district.

Funding for these upgrades comes from an annual budget of 13 million euros. This money is tied to the four-year renewal of the contract with Titsa, the company that runs the bus service. This budget, plus a contract for technical help, will speed up the planning and help tailor the service to what residents need. The City Council also noted that some changes have already been made, such as longer operating hours from the Intercambiador station to Cuevas Rojas, San Andrés, and Barrio Nuevo, to help commuters.

On top of these plans, 20 million euros will be invested to buy 61 new buses, including electric and hybrid models, by 2029. This update is part of a larger 47.5 million euro budget for Mobility in 2026. The goal is not just to modernize the bus fleet but also to handle the increasing number of passengers and ensure good service quality as demand continues to grow.