Staggered University Schedules Ease Traffic Congestion on Tenerife’s TF-5 Highway
The University of La Laguna has successfully reduced peak-hour traffic on Tenerife’s TF-5 motorway by 550 cars daily through a combination of staggered class schedules and expanded shuttle bus services.
A clever change to university class schedules is helping to clear up traffic on the TF-5, one of Tenerife’s busiest roads. New data from the University of La Laguna (ULL) and the Island Council shows that by staggering class times, 550 fewer cars are on the road during peak hours each day. This initiative, which began last year across 13 faculties, now involves 2,700 students and is a key part of the island’s sustainable mobility plan.
The university community includes 25,000 people, and their daily commutes previously flooded campus entrances with up to 10,000 vehicles. A 2023 study found that 45% of students drove alone, creating massive bottlenecks between 8:00–8:30 a.m. and 2:00–2:30 p.m. This heavy reliance on private cars was the primary driver of the university’s carbon footprint, which totaled over three million kilograms of CO₂ annually.
The strategy goes beyond just changing schedules. The introduction of four shuttle bus lines connecting the campuses to towns like Icod de los Vinos, Los Realejos, La Orotava, and Costa Adeje has been a major success. Between January and June 2025, the service saw 25,000 trips, helping to shift 71% of students toward public transport.
Building on this progress, the Island Council and the ULL are expanding the staggered schedule to four more degree programs in the Faculty of Economics, Business, and Tourism. This will bring another 2,000 students into the program, bringing the total to 4,700. This expansion is part of a 2023 agreement that also promotes carpooling and public awareness. The partnership proves that effective traffic management isn't just about controlling road flow—it’s about providing reliable public transport that fits people's daily lives.