A Single Transport Pass for All of Spain
A revolutionary transport pass is in the works for Spain, allowing citizens to use buses, trams, and trains anywhere in the country with a single monthly ticket. For example, a Canary Islands resident could ride the Madrid metro at no extra cost, while a Madrid user could hop on a bus in the Islands. This idea, announced by Transport Minister Óscar Puente in January, is now being tested in the Canary Islands as a pilot project.
Canary Islands as the Testing Ground
The Canary Islands have been chosen as the ideal testing ground due to their unique archipelago structure. While the pass will cover metros, commuter trains, and medium-distance rail on the mainland, in the Islands it will only apply to buses and the Tenerife tram. Regional Minister Pablo Rodríguez highlighted that the complexity of the seven-island system makes it a perfect microcosm for Spain-wide implementation.
European Precedents and Local Challenges
Though the concept isn’t entirely new—countries like Austria and Germany introduced similar passes in 2022—it marks a significant step for Spain. The Canary Islands already have the Bono Residente Canario, launched in 2018, but its use is restricted to the island of residence. A resident of La Palma, for instance, cannot use it for buses or the tram in Tenerife. The regional government is now working to unify the system across all islands.
Overcoming Technical and Administrative Hurdles
Previous attempts to create a single ticket faced challenges due to disparate systems managed by different island councils. In March, the Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC) was tasked with analyzing the seven island systems to find a compensation model for a unified pass. The goal is to bridge the gap between public and private operators and ensure seamless inter-island travel.
What to Expect Next
While no launch date or pricing has been confirmed, the Ministry aims to roll out the pass within the next year. Drawing from Germany’s model (€58/month), Spain’s version is expected to be more affordable. For travelers and residents alike, this could mean easier, cheaper exploration of the Canary Islands and beyond.
