The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, through its Mobility Department, has announced a significant reinforcement of public transport to support the upcoming Carnival street events and dances, which will commence this Friday. This initiative aims to facilitate safe, efficient, and convenient travel for both locals and tourists, allowing them to fully enjoy the vibrant Carnival atmosphere.
Encouraging Public Transport Use for Carnival Festivities
1. Mayor’s Call to Action
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, has urged residents and visitors to use public transport during the Carnival celebrations. He emphasised:
- Public transport is the most effective and safest way to access and enjoy the nights and days of the Carnival, which is recognised as one of the safest and most spectacular in the world.
- Using public transport helps to:
- Improve traffic flow, reducing congestion on access roads.
- Avoid overcrowding and delays at the entrances.
- Enhance personal safety by minimising risks associated with driving and parking.
- Data Analysis: Verified data supports this recommendation, indicating that public transport ensures a more efficient travel experience, allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying the festivities.
Expanded Public Transport Services
1. Additional Bus Services and Increased Capacity
- The City Council will enhance public transport services by adding 172 bus routes, focusing on urban lines 232, 908, 933, 934, 939, 971, 972, and 975.
- This reinforcement will provide:
- 47,600 additional seats, ensuring more travel capacity for Carnival-goers.
- An increase of 9 more services compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing demand for public transportation during the event.
- Service Start and Route Changes:
- The enhanced bus operation will start this Friday, aligning with traffic disruptions caused by the Carnival parade.
- Temporary route changes will be implemented to accommodate the parade routes, ensuring minimal disruption to public transport services.
2. Special Reinforcement Plan by Titsa
- Titsa, the leading bus operator in Tenerife, will implement a special reinforcement plan to increase public transport capacity:
- 4,200 additional bus journeys are scheduled between 28th February and 9th March, ensuring smooth and efficient travel throughout the Carnival period.
- This will result in over 300,000 extra seats available for bus passengers.
- Around 20 bus lines connecting Santa Cruz with the northern and southern parts of the island will be reinforced to meet increased demand.
3. Carnival Campaign and Promotions by Titsa
- Carnival Jingle and Competition:
- Titsa launched its Carnival jingle “Hakuna Bachat” and invites Carnival-goers to participate in a dance competition.
- Prizes include:
- Double tickets to the Cook Music Festival.
- Wireless headphones.
- Themed Buses:
- Some Titsa buses have been decorated with vibrant vinyl wraps inspired by the Tenerife Carnival, adding to the festive atmosphere.
4. Reinforced Tram Services by Metrotenerife
- Metrotenerife will reinforce tram services on Line 1 throughout the Carnival celebrations:
- Double units will operate during all days of the festivities.
- The service will start this Friday with uninterrupted operations throughout the first weekend of the Carnival.
- Service Frequency:
- Every 10 minutes during peak hours.
- Every 12 to 15 minutes during off-peak times.
- Special Route Adjustments:
- This Friday: Service will end at La Paz from 6 p.m. onwards.
- Carnival Nights: The service will terminate at La Paz from 9 p.m..
- Carnival Day Sessions: The last stop will be at Teatro Guimerá, ensuring safe and convenient access to the Carnival festivities.
5. Expanded Taxi Services
- To complement the reinforced public transport system, 100% of taxi licenses in Santa Cruz will be fully operational on the following days:
- 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, and 9th March.
- Strategic Taxi Stops:
- Calle El Pilar
- Miraflores
- Valentín Sanz
- San Sebastián (Abwärts)
- Calle Víctor Zurita Soler
- These strategic locations ensure easy access to taxis throughout the Carnival celebrations, minimising waiting times and enhancing travel efficiency.
Recommendations
- The Santa Cruz City Council is significantly enhancing public transport during the Carnival street celebrations to improve mobility, safety, and convenience for all attendees.
- Expanded services by Titsa and Metrotenerife, along with increased taxi availability, will ensure smooth transportation throughout the festivities.
- Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez encourages residents and tourists to use public transport, citing improved traffic flow, reduced congestion, and enhanced personal safety.
Public Transport as a Safe and Efficient Choice
- By using public transport, Carnival-goers can:
- Avoid traffic congestion on access roads.
- Reduce waiting times at entrances.
- Enjoy more time at the Carnival with enhanced safety during journeys.
- Santa Cruz City Council is committed to promoting sustainable mobility and ensuring a memorable and safe Carnival experience for all.
This initiative reflects Santa Cruz’s dedication to making the Carnival celebrations enjoyable and accessible, highlighting public transport as the most efficient and safest way to participate in one of the world’s most vibrant Carnivals.
