Shared Taxi Service Becomes Vital Lifeline for Rural Los Realejos Residents

The shared taxi service in Los Realejos, Tenerife, has become a vital lifeline for rural residents, proving that simple, flexible solutions can overcome difficult terrain. According to a report by El Día, this service has been running since 2011, providing essential transport for neighborhoods like Icod el Alto, Palo Blanco, Las Llanadas, and La Ferruja, where narrow, winding roads make standard buses impossible to use.

The service runs Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Demand has surged over the years, growing from 13,000 initial users to nearly 60,000 passengers annually. This growth highlights how much residents rely on the network to reach pharmacies, health centers, and the town center. Passengers can pay the 1.50 euro fare using a TITSA public transport card or cash. A key feature of the service is its flexibility; drivers can adjust routes to help passengers with limited mobility or those living in particularly isolated spots.

The Los Realejos Department of Mobility notes that the service does more than just move people—it plays a crucial social role. By operating on scheduled circular routes, it helps prevent isolation among the elderly, who make up the majority of its passengers. The drivers’ willingness to go the extra mile—often dropping passengers closer to their front doors than a standard bus stop would allow—is the secret to the program's success and popularity.

While it may be a modest operation, this model offers a practical answer to the connectivity challenges faced by many mid-altitude communities in the Canary Islands. By integrating taxis into the municipal transport network, Los Realejos has transformed daily travel for its residents. After more than a decade, the service has become a permanent and essential part of life in the municipality, fostering community connection along the way.