The possibility of extending the 75% transport subsidy to non-residents in the Canary Islands is being discussed, though financial limitations present significant challenges. Cristina Pérez, the Government delegate in Ceuta, emphasised that without an allocated budget, covering the costs of such an extension remains “complicated.”
Government’s Financial Support for the 75% Transport Rebate
Recently, the Council of Ministers approved the allocation of funds from the Contingency Fund to finance credit modifications amounting to 170 million euros. These funds are intended to support the 75% discount on air and maritime transport in the Canary Islands, as well as for the connection with mainland Spain. This subsidy has also been extended to other regions, including the Balearic Islands and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, showcasing a comprehensive effort to facilitate travel and connectivity within these regions.
During her media appearance, Cristina Pérez highlighted the government’s commitment to Ceuta, particularly in ensuring that this extended subsidy remains effective. She acknowledged the “legislative difficulties” that the current government is facing but reiterated that the decision to support these territories demonstrates a strong commitment from the central government to address their transportation needs.
Potential Extension to Non-Residents
When asked about the possibility of expanding the transport subsidy to include non-residents of the Canary Islands and other non-mainland territories, Cristina Pérez acknowledged that this option “is always on the table.” However, she cautioned that without a dedicated budget, it would be challenging to finance the expansion, stressing, “It is complicated without the necessary budgets.”
Despite these constraints, Pérez reassured residents of Ceuta that the approved 170 million euros would ensure the continuation of the subsidy, even with the current extended budgets. She urged parliamentary groups to offer the necessary support for budget approval, emphasising the importance of avoiding limitations that could impact funding for such essential services.
The Importance of the Transport Subsidy for Connectivity
Pérez further highlighted that the transport subsidy is one of the most crucial measures for guaranteeing Ceuta’s connectivity with the Spanish mainland. This support enables residents to benefit from significantly reduced fares on both air and sea transport, ensuring accessibility and affordability for those living in these regions.
The discussion around extending the 75% transport rebate to non-residents remains an open topic, but the financial realities make it a challenging prospect without the proper budgetary backing. The government’s continued commitment to supporting the residents of the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and other territories remains evident, even as they navigate financial and legislative hurdles.
