Tenerife’s Leap Towards Sustainable Mobility
Tenerife is taking a decisive step towards sustainable mobility with the acquisition of 70 new buses for its interurban service, which will be added to the island’s fleet throughout the second half of 2026. This operation, part of a broader public transport modernization plan, aims to improve service efficiency and address the growth in demand recorded in recent years.
Double-Deckers to Ease Congestion
A key highlight of this initiative is the Island Council’s (Cabildo) investment in 13 double-decker buses. These will operate on long-distance routes with few stops and are specifically designed to alleviate traffic congestion on the TF-1 and TF-5 highways. These units will significantly increase passenger capacity, from 65 to 93 seats, which will help optimize journeys and offer a more comfortable and efficient service.
First Electric Buses Join the Fleet
In a landmark move, Titsa, the public transport company, will also incorporate the first eight electric interurban buses. With a range capable of handling daily routes of up to 310 kilometers, they will operate on lines 051 and 057, connecting La Laguna, Tacoronte, Valle de Guerra, and Tegueste. These vehicles will serve as a pilot to evaluate the performance of electric buses on medium-distance routes.
A Modern and Growing Public Transport System
With these new additions, the company will reach a total fleet of 667 vehicles, which the island government highlights as the most modern and youngest fleet in Spain. This announcement comes amidst a surge in public transport demand on the island. Since 2023, the number of passengers has jumped from 47 million to a projected 86.7 million this year, a growth fueled by fare-free initiatives and service improvements. As of the 12th of this month, Titsa and Metrotenerife had jointly transported over 86 million users, cementing the public system as the main alternative to private car use.
Leadership Hails a “Green Revolution”
The President of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, emphasized that this investment “marks a new milestone in the island’s sustainable mobility,” by combining electric and double-decker buses in an operation that “will allow for a more efficient service adapted to the needs of citizens.” She added that this represents a “green revolution, with zero-emission vehicles, reduced noise pollution, and a lower environmental impact, which will reinforce the territorial cohesion of Tenerife.”
Consolidating Public Transport as the Backbone of Mobility
The Councillor for Mobility, Eulalia García, stated that “these figures confirm the consolidation of public transport as the structural axis of mobility on the Island.” She also affirmed that the fleet expansion “is another step towards an efficient, accessible, and sustainable model, which will help reduce the use of private cars and improve the commutes of Tenerife residents.” With this action, they also aim to “invest in and care for the staff, service timetables, workshops, stations or interchanges, and bus stops.”
Supplier Details and Job Creation
The CEO of Titsa, Victoria Padilla, detailed that the vehicle contracts have been distributed across nine lots to the companies Scania Hispania, Iveco España, and Whole and Retailer, S.A., the latter being responsible for supplying the 13 double-decker buses. Furthermore, the fleet expansion has led to the creation of 350 new jobs, 300 of which are for drivers.
