Tenerife’s Cabildo has approved a new Sustainable Mobility Plan for Tenerife (PIMSIT), setting out 92 actions across nine programmes and aiming to mobilise more than €5 billion by 2045.
The plan is intended to change how people move around the island, with the focus going beyond simply building more roads.
More public transport, fewer cars
The total investment outlined in the plan is €5.097 billion, with the Cabildo expected to contribute around €1.222 billion.
The rest would come from other administrations, including the Canary Islands Government, central government and Tenerife’s local councils.
The proposals cover a fairly wide range of transport projects, including improvements to public transport infrastructure, measures to manage private vehicle use and the promotion of alternatives such as car sharing.
There is also a push towards electric mobility, together with the use of data and artificial intelligence to improve how the transport system is managed.
Walking and cycling
The plan also includes the development of green corridors for pedestrians and cyclists.
The idea is to make walking and cycling more practical parts of everyday journeys rather than something you only do when the weather is behaving itself.
The Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila, described the plan as a commitment to modernising public transport on the island.
The document will now be presented to the next Cabildo Plenary, as well as economic and social organisations, with the aim of building a wider sustainable mobility agreement for Tenerife.
Trains and trams
Rail transport features prominently in the plan, including support for developing train services in both the north and south of Tenerife.
The extension of the island’s tram network is also prioritised, including plans to extend services towards Tenerife North Airport.
Work is also progressing on the proposed southern train project, including plans for a stop at Tenerife South Airport. However, discussions around funding have been affected by wider budget constraints.
Managing pressure on Tenerife’s protected areas
The mobility plan has received a positive Strategic Environmental Declaration from the Tenerife Environmental Assessment Commission.
The assessment highlighted potential benefits including reduced CO2 emissions, lower noise levels and measures aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
It also considers the growing pressure from visitors in protected areas such as Anaga, Teno and Teide.
Among the proposed measures are better management of access, improved public transport and shuttle bus services in areas where visitor numbers can put additional pressure on the environment.
The overall aim is to create a transport system that works better for residents while also dealing with some of the environmental pressures that come with living on an island attracting millions of visitors each year.