Tenerife Unveils New Traffic and Shuttle Strategy for Anaga Rural Park
The Tenerife Island Council has unveiled a new strategy to curb tourism-related traffic in Anaga Rural Park, featuring a forthcoming shuttle service, parking restrictions, and a public consultation process to balance environmental preservation with local needs.
Management of the Anaga Rural Park is reaching a turning point. The Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo) has finalized a new strategy to reduce private vehicle congestion in this protected Biosphere Reserve, which has faced increasing pressure from tourism. This week, officials from the Departments of Mobility and Natural Environment, alongside representatives from Santa Cruz and La Laguna, presented the proposal to local residents, aiming to balance environmental protection with the quality of life for those living in the park’s hamlets.
The core of this plan is the launch of a new shuttle service by the end of the year. Operated by Titsa, the buses will connect Las Canteras in La Laguna to key locations like Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés. The service will be free for residents, while visitors will pay a fare. This approach mirrors the model used in Masca, where trail access is linked to mandatory public transport reservations.
Beyond the shuttle service, the plan includes long-term structural changes. Within the next two weeks, access control barriers will be installed at the Cruz del Carmen parking lot to limit how long vehicles can stay. Authorities are also considering regulated parking zones—similar to blue or green zones—and new park-and-ride facilities in both mountain and coastal areas. This follows a request from the Santa Cruz City Council to help ease traffic in spots like Taganana and Almáciga.
To support residents in scattered communities, the council plans to launch an on-demand transport system by the first half of 2027, similar to the model currently used in Arico.
These proposals are not yet final. A public consultation process begins mid-month, during which the Cabildo will visit local communities to gather feedback. This input will be crucial in deciding whether to implement parking restrictions or expand parking capacity in specific areas.
These measures address long-standing traffic issues that affect both the mountains and the coast. By coordinating parking management with the Natural Environment department and increasing surveillance, the Cabildo aims to shift toward a more sustainable model that prioritizes the preservation of the ecosystem and the needs of local residents.