Tenerife Honors Former Cabildo President Ricardo Melchior by Naming Tram After Him
Tenerife’s metropolitan transport network has honored former Cabildo president Ricardo Melchior by naming a tram after him in recognition of his pivotal role in establishing the island's essential light rail system.
Tenerife’s metropolitan transport network has honored Ricardo Melchior, the former president of the Cabildo, by naming one of its trams after him. The ceremony, attended by his widow, María Isabel Cruz, and various local officials, celebrated Melchior’s role in developing the current transport link between Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
The tribute highlights how essential the tram system has become since it launched in 2007. Over the last 19 years, it has recorded 291 million trips and now serves 25 million passengers annually. Current Cabildo president Rosa Dávila praised Melchior’s foresight, noting that while the project faced significant political and financial debate at its start, it has since become a vital part of daily life on the island.
The specific tram chosen for the tribute, unit 101-01, was selected to permanently link the service’s identity to the man who championed its creation. During the event, Metrotenerife staff—represented by driver Mónica Torres—emphasized their commitment to maintaining the service’s high standards. Mobility Minister Eulalia García also highlighted the tram’s role as a model for sustainable, accessible transport across the Canary Islands.
The event, which included representatives from Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and the Canary Islands Parliament, served as a reminder of how the tram has moved past its early controversies to become the backbone of public transport in Tenerife.