Canarias Urges Spanish Government to Expedite Payment for Free Public Transportation Costs

October 28, 2024 | In Politics

In a pressing appeal, the Government of the Canary Islands has requested the Spanish Government to accelerate the payment for the costs associated with the free public transportation initiative in the archipelago. This call for action is driven by the significant financial burden that local administrations and transportation operators are facing due to the increased demand for free bus and tram services.

The Current Situation

The free public transportation policy, implemented to enhance mobility and reduce economic hardship for residents, has seen a remarkable 44% increase in the number of passengers, more than double the national average. However, the allocated funds of 81 million euros from the Spanish Government's budget are deemed insufficient by the Canary Islands' authorities. The directora general de Transportes, María Fernández, has expressed deep concern over the real costs incurred by the implementation of this service, emphasizing that the current funding does not account for the actual number of beneficiaries.

Key Demands and Concerns

María Fernández, in her communication with the secretario general de Movilidad Sostenible, Álvaro Fernández, and his technical team, highlighted the necessity for the Spanish Government to transfer the actual costs incurred by the free transportation service. She stressed that the current financial support is not enough to sustain the service without jeopardizing other essential resources for the well-being of the Canarian population.

The Government of Canarias has sent multiple letters to the Ministry to underscore the importance of this measure, particularly in the context of the islands' unique dependency on public transportation. Fernández emphasized that the free public transportation is not only a support for families but also a crucial tool in changing the mindset towards sustainable mobility in the archipelago.

Future Plans and Commitments

Despite the challenges, the Government of Canarias remains committed to maintaining the free public transportation service. They have requested a prolongation of the gratuity for the year 2025, considering the significant benefits it has brought to mobility and the local economy. The authorities have been assured that additional funds will be directed towards sustaining this initiative in the coming year, with the aim of consolidating the advances made in terms of accessibility and sustainability.

Collaborative Efforts

In line with their commitment to improving mobility, the consejero de Obras Públicas, Vivienda y Movilidad, Pablo Rodríguez, and María Fernández recently met with the director of the Feria Internacional del Autobús y del Autocar, David Moneo. This meeting aimed to explore the latest technologies and innovations in public transportation, particularly within the framework of the MobilityLab projects. The Government of Canarias has allocated nearly 40 million euros to the Cabildos for renovating bus fleets and enhancing the user experience, reflecting their dedication to providing an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable public transportation service.

Conclusion

The appeal by the Government of the Canary Islands for expedited payment and continued support from the Spanish Government is critical for the sustainability of the free public transportation service. As the archipelago continues to navigate the complexities of providing accessible and affordable mobility, the cooperation between central and regional authorities remains pivotal in ensuring the well-being and economic stability of the Canarian community.

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