Free Public Transport Becomes Law in the Canary Islands
In a significant move for island communities, Spain’s Congress of Deputies has approved the Sustainable Mobility Law this Thursday. Following a vote on amendments introduced in the Senate, the law now guarantees free public transport for the Canary and Balearic Islands. This establishes a permanent, nationwide policy for fare-free travel, moving beyond temporary annual measures.
Cross-Party Support for a Landmark Decision
The amendment for free transport received overwhelming support from all parliamentary groups, with only Junts per Catalunya voting against and the PNV abstaining. This broad consensus, including the backing of the Canarian Coalition (CC), underscores the recognition of the unique challenges faced by the archipelagos. Prior to its passage through the Senate, the Canarian Coalition had already secured differentiated treatment for the islands in the bill during its review in the Transport Committee.
How the New Law Works
The Sustainable Mobility Law formally acknowledges the specificities of island life, in line with the Economic and Fiscal Regime of the Canary Islands. It establishes a 100% discount on the price of travel passes and multi-journey tickets for public road transport. According to a note from CC, the aid will be granted by the General Secretariat for Sustainable Mobility, which will manage the procedure and payments through the General Directorate of Mobility Strategies.
A Long-Term Victory for Islanders
Cristina Valido, the sole deputy for the Canarian Coalition in Congress, celebrated the definitive approval as an “unthinkable milestone just a short time ago.” She emphasized that free public transport is now consolidated in a national law, meaning there is no longer a need to “fight for it year after year,” as the funding becomes “an obligation of the State.” Valido recalled that when her party first secured free transport in 2023, other parties claimed it was impossible. “Today,” she stated, “it is a legal right.” She also highlighted that her formation had been fighting for several years to maintain this benefit, noting that it provides “economic relief for a great many families and also helps the islands to commit more strongly to public transport.”
