Tenerife’s 20-Year Sustainable Mobility Plan Clears Key Environmental Hurdle

Tenerife’s roadmap for transport over the next 20 years has cleared a major hurdle. The Tenerife Environmental Assessment Commission (CEAT) has unanimously approved the Strategic Environmental Declaration for the Island Plan for Sustainable Mobility (PIMSIT). This approval is the final step needed before the plan goes to the Cabildo Plenary for official ratification.

The plan outlines 91 projects to be completed by 2035 and 2045. To tackle traffic congestion, the strategy focuses on two main areas: expanding road capacity and improving public transport. Key road projects include adding third lanes to the TF-1 between Güímar and Las Américas, and the TF-5 between Tenerife North Airport and La Orotava. The plan also introduces dedicated lanes for buses and high-occupancy vehicles.

Beyond roadwork, PIMSIT prioritizes sustainability. Proposed improvements include extending the tram network—specifically Line 1 to the North airport and Line 2 toward La Gallega—alongside new park-and-ride facilities, a modernized bus fleet, and more electric vehicle charging stations. The plan also aims to manage tourist traffic in protected areas like Teide National Park, Teno, and Anaga by introducing shuttle buses and access controls.

These changes come as mobility habits on the island shift. Public transport use has surged, with the bus operator TITSA recording 87.3 million passengers—an 81% increase compared to 2022—supported by the addition of 351 new buses over the last three years.

The CEAT report notes that the plan will help reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, though it stresses that all construction must respect the island’s natural and cultural heritage. The Cabildo will use a new system of indicators to track progress on sustainability and traffic reduction. Once minor adjustments are made, the plan will head to the Plenary Commission for final approval, providing Tenerife with a clear framework to modernize its transport network.