In a significant move for public transport across the Canary Islands, Socialist MP Marcos Bergaz secured a commitment from the regional government on Tuesday to implement a unified bus ticket system. Announcing the plan during a session of the Canarian Parliament, Public Works and Mobility Minister Pablo Rodríguez (CC) revealed that a pilot scheme for frequent public transport users could launch as early as December.
Bergaz argued for the urgent need for this measure, which would allow residents to use the same transport ticket throughout the islands. He described it as vital for enhancing mobility across the archipelago, benefiting those travelling for healthcare, education, work, or leisure.
The MP acknowledged the technical challenges ahead, notably the need to address the various management platforms and the financial compensation mechanisms between different operators and island administrations. “We must overcome these technical hurdles to make it feasible,” he stated.
Bergaz provided examples of how the ticket would function in practice. For instance, a Lanzarote resident could use their ticket to travel to Arrecife Airport, and once in Gran Canaria, continue to the Doctor Negrín University Hospital. Similarly, a Fuerteventura resident could travel to Corralejo and then use the same ticket for transport in Lanzarote without needing to apply for a new one.
Minister Rodríguez confirmed that following technological developments by the Tenerife Institute of Technology (ITC), the pilot scheme for frequent users is expected to commence in December, with plans to expand the system throughout 2027.
After hearing this announcement, Bergaz expressed his intention to stay vigilant regarding the timeline, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance public transport in the Canaries. He noted that this initiative follows previous advancements, such as the introduction of the Resident Bonus in 2018 and the free public bus transport launched in 2023.
“This will strengthen mobility between the islands and improve user convenience. Let’s hope this third parliamentary initiative is successful and that the pilot project becomes a reality in December,” concluded Bergaz.
