New Torrevieja Urban Bus Service - Users Erupt

[Carl]

Tomorrows the big day !

I have highlighted a paragraph in the article, as this is something that I have no recollection of ever being mentioned before in the reporting of the new bus service, and that a ticket can be reused within a one-hour period before bus users have to pay again - makes sense if you need to take two bus routes to get from A to B, possiby benefit someone that can do a short return journey in the hour, but a disadvantage to anyone that wants to take a break whilst travelling from A to B on two routes ?

https://www.informacion.es/vega-baja/20 ... 67442.html

Google translate, minus video and images:

Users erupt over Torrevieja's new bus service that splits routes: "We're going to pay for two trips to get to the city center, this is highway robbery!"

What was previously a single line connecting the Rocío del Mar-Punta Prima urbanisation with the town centre has now become two separate journeys for a distance of only 5 kilometres, forcing passengers to change at the hospital.

At the beginning of the month, Torrevieja City Council marked July 27th on the calendar as the date to launch the new urban bus service. Just three days before the new network of lines begins, user criticism is focused on some of the routes, with many arguing that "far from improving transportation, they worsen it."

The map, with its main stops and various connections, has stirred controversy because in some cases the routes are fragmented. The most complex contract ever processed in the municipality's history, according to the City Council itself, with a cost of 67 million euros, aims to expand coverage to better connect neighborhoods and residential areas, and strengthen links to the University Hospital, health centers, schools, high schools, beaches, markets, and La Mata.

However, even before its deployment, there are already doubts about whether its implementation through the winning bidder Avanza, the same company that has provided the service until now, with new lines, more frequencies, technology, different rates - the free service for registered residents is ending - and 32 low-emission buses, will be able to end the numerous deficiencies recognized by everyone and suffered by users.

The criticism now focuses on the fact that two buses will have to be taken when previously only one was needed. The most striking example is the Rocío del Mar-Punta Prima route. What was previously a single route connecting the residential area with the town center will now require two journeys for a distance of just 5 kilometers, forcing a transfer at the hospital.

The current Torrevieja-Los Altos-Rocío del Mar bus route, with a frequency of 40 minutes at best, used to take at least 30 minutes — turning into almost an hour in peak season — for a relatively short journey due to its detours. Now it's shorter, but it doesn't reach the city center .

The new Line 1 (green) runs from Rocío del Mar, through Los Altos, to the hospital and vice versa. A single line covers a distance of just 3 kilometers. To continue to the town center or vice versa, you will need to transfer to Line 3 (purple), which connects Avenida Doctor Gregorio Marañón with Desiderio Rodríguez, Mar Azul, and the hospital — the only line that connects the town center with the hospital.

"All they've done is worsen the stops and routes," laments one of the affected users, adding, "We're going to have to pay for two trips to get to Torrevieja. They're ripping us off; this is highway robbery," referring to the cost of a single ticket — €1.35 per trip — although it should be noted that there is a one-hour window to use the same ticket before having to pay again. Transfers are also included in the various passes offered.

Furthermore, where there were previously three lines to go to the Acequión health center, there is now only one, the C or circular line.

The network is structured around a main axis located on Avenida Doctor Gregorio Marañón, from where most routes to different areas of Torrevieja depart. The new system has 12 lines (nine daytime and three nighttime) and includes an on-demand transport service for certain areas.

The official announcement of the service frequencies, which was scheduled for last Monday, has not yet been made. What is known so far is that it will reduce waiting times by almost half compared to the previous service. Currently, there are minimum frequencies of 40 minutes on weekdays and between 60 and even 80 minutes on weekends and holidays. Now, the frequency will be between 20 and 22 minutes from Monday to Sunday.

The frequency is displayed on a small sign that can only be viewed at the bus stop itself. For example, in the case of the green line, it is established by time slots: between 20 and 25 minutes from 7 to 10 a.m. Monday to Friday and 22 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays, 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., and 25 minutes from 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.

The month of change

The implementation of the service will follow a phased schedule culminating in 2027 with a renewed fleet. This first phase, dubbed the "month of change," aims to allow residents to learn about and familiarize themselves with the new service before it becomes operational, according to the City Council.

However, only the route map has been published from the initial roadmap; the frequencies, which can only be checked at the bus stops themselves, have not been released. The service's website, accessible via QR codes installed at bus shelters and on buses, has been active since Friday, and timetables can be viewed there starting Monday.

This Saturday, at stops like Rocío del Mar, no timetable was displayed, neither the current one nor the new one. There were, however, signs announcing that both the routes and timetables would begin on Monday.

As for the new bus shelters - 181 in total - with a separate investment of 1.5 million, deployment will begin in the first quarter of next year.

Second phase: tariffs

For the time being, the service will operate with current fares until the second phase of implementation, scheduled for October. During this phase, the new transport cards and passes will be introduced, coexisting with the existing ones until the end of the year to facilitate the transition between the two systems. This effectively means the end of free travel for 80% of users — it was previously free for registered residents upon application.

There will be a free pass for seniors (over 65), pensioners, and people with disabilities of 33% or less. Another special pass will be available for large families, the long-term unemployed, and young people under 26. A separate pass for tourists will cost €8 for three days or €16 for a week. A monthly pass will cost €38. All passes include free transfers.

In addition, the traffic light priority system for buses will be put into operation, a technological improvement that will reduce travel times, improve punctuality and increase the regularity of the service, in addition to exclusive or priority bus lanes in Gregorio Marañón, Ramón Gallud, Apolo and Orihuela.

At the same time, work will continue on adapting the facilities for the future incorporation of the electric fleet.

Third phase: fleet renewal

The final phase of the project will take place during 2027, with the goal of achieving complete modernization by next summer. Between March and June, the new, permanent fleet of 32 low-emission buses will be progressively incorporated, including six electric and 26 hybrid vehicles, permanently replacing the temporary fleet. The new service will practically double the current capacity, increasing from 17 vehicles (14 in service and three in reserve) to a total of 32, which will significantly improve service frequency and expand coverage.

Also, during this phase, new onboard digital systems will be implemented that will allow users to consult information, validate tickets using mobile devices, pay directly with a bank card, and have a fully digitalized transport system.

The new service facilities will also be completed, which will include garages, workshops, offices, an operational base and charging infrastructure for the new electric fleet - the drafting of the project is now beginning and the execution of the works should be completed in 10 months-.

[freddo]

Looks like a lot of profit being made on building bus stops 8287euros each

[Bee]

It doesn't say what the front of the buses will say to distinguish the routes. We are on the old La Mata/Torrevieja A route. Will it now say La Mata. 8 I wonder. As opposed to the La Mata A2 Route which is now No 7.

Bee

[Lincoln45]

It would be nice, with all this money that they are spending, if they could fix their app which never seems to work!

[Lincoln45]

What is now routes 4 and 5 from Torretas area, you will have to change to get to the bus station.
Somebody needs to go back to the drawing board.

[chrisz]

From what little I understand anyone living near Lago Jardin 2 will now have to take two busses to get into Torrevieja, changing at either DNA Monse hotel or the hospital. Not even sure if the new bus will service will go through Los Balcones and come out by Mercadona.

I thought change was supposed to be good?

[Carl]

From what little I understand anyone living near Lago Jardin 2 will now have to take two busses to get into Torrevieja, changing at either DNA Monse hotel or the hospital. Not even sure if the new bus will service will go through Los Balcones and come out by Mercadona.

I thought change was supposed to be good?

Hopefully the below will be of some assistance. Your understanding is correct, two buses to get into Torrevieja from Lago Jardin 2 - Route 2 from Lago Jardin 2 to the hospital, change at the hospital for Route 3 into Torrevieja.

Looking at Google Maps the road to the side of Mercadona is Av. Angel Garcia Rogel, and Route 2 has stops on that road.

Route 2 & Route 3.JPG (60 KiB) Viewed 133 times

Route 2 Loop.JPG (47.35 KiB) Viewed 133 times

Route 3 Loop.JPG (46.25 KiB) Viewed 133 times

A .pdf document with all the urban bus routes can be found here:

https://estaticos-cdn.prensaiberica.es/ ... a-2026.pdf

[Bee]

Thanks for the pdf Carl. It's a great help.

Bee

[Brandyboy]

We've never been on a bus in the twenty six years that we''ve lived here.