Tenerife Awards €1.7 Million Contract to Upgrade Santa Cruz Transport Interchange
Schindler SA has been awarded a €1.7 million contract to modernize the Santa Cruz Transport Interchange in Tenerife, doubling the facility's elevator capacity to resolve persistent accessibility issues and accommodate rising passenger numbers.
Mobility in Tenerife is back in the political spotlight following the announcement that a contract has been awarded to renovate the Santa Cruz Transport Interchange. Schindler SA will oversee a €1.7 million project to replace the facility's elevator systems and upgrade the electrical network. This work aims to resolve three years of frequent breakdowns and persistent complaints from the public.
Supported by the island’s Cabildo since January, the project addresses the decline of a vital hub used by nearly 60,000 people every day. The plan includes repairing the four existing elevators and installing four new ones, doubling the total to eight. This is a crucial step for accessibility, particularly for elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility who have struggled with the lack of reliable alternatives.
The timing of this project is significant. As the Interchange marks its 20th anniversary, it is under immense pressure from a surge in passengers following the introduction of free public transport. This increase has exposed flaws in the original design, leading to frequent congestion at the bus bays.
The Tenerife PSOE has used the situation to criticize the current island government, with secretary-general Tamara Raya describing the delay in maintenance as a sign of administrative paralysis. She argues that the time taken to address such a basic issue raises concerns about the government's ability to handle the island's broader mobility challenges.
Beyond the political debate, the start of these works is a major turning point for the capital’s busiest transport hub. Successfully completing this project will be a key test for the Cabildo and Titsa, as they work to modernize the facility and ensure it can handle the demands of today’s passengers.