Torrevieja New Urban Bus Service Commences 27 July 2026

[Carl]

Very brave launching a new bus timetable in the middle of the Spanish summer vacation period !

Worth noting that whilst the new bus services commences on 27 July, some improvements such as new buses and bus stops will follow later.

One paragraph that does stand out in the article that will affect other road users:

'In addition, the traffic light priority system for buses will be implemented, a technological improvement that will reduce travel times, improve punctuality and increase the regularity of the service, as well as exclusive or priority bus lanes on Gregorio Marañón, Ramón Gallud, Apolo and Orihuela.'

https://www.informacion.es/vega-baja/20 ... 91631.html

Google translate, minus video and images:

Torrevieja's new urban bus service starts on July 27th

The City Council is moving forward with the planned schedule, which involves a three-phase rollout that begins with a temporary fleet that will be gradually renewed over the course of a year, and current fares will remain in effect until October.

Like a series of installments. That's how the rollout of Torrevieja's long-awaited new urban transport system will unfold, beginning with a phased implementation schedule that will culminate in 2027 with a renewed fleet. As with any major launch, the biggest questions will be answered throughout this month, a deliberate strategy to maintain anticipation surrounding the €67 million contract, which the Councilor for Transport, Antonio Vidal, described this Friday as "the most complex ever processed in this municipality."

The councilor presented the roadmap to transform urban mobility alongside Luis González, Levante area director of Avanza, the winning company, "with whom we are now going to have a partnership, and we hope it will be very harmonious," he remarked, although in reality it is the same company that until now has provided a service that has accumulated too many deficiencies recognized by everyone and suffered by users , something that is being addressed with new lines, more frequent service, technology, different fares - the free service for registered residents is ending - and 32 low-emission buses.

To get to the point, after the contract was formalized in April — and the official start date last Tuesday — a date has been set: the new bus network will begin operating on July 27. The councilor explained that the entire preliminary technical phase has been completed in recent weeks, including the finalization of routes, stop locations, route testing, travel time measurements, and the configuration of the new lines' frequencies. Simultaneously, staff recruitment, the preparation of information campaigns, and the adaptation of customer service offices have been underway.

The new contract expands coverage to better connect neighborhoods and residential areas, strengthening links to the University Hospital, health centers, schools, high schools, beaches, markets, and La Mata. However, Vidal acknowledged that they are currently finalizing preparations for the last stops, especially for the circular line and the hospital shuttle.

The month of change

This first phase has been dubbed the "month of change," so that residents can learn about and familiarize themselves with the new service before it becomes operational, according to the councilor. Thus, next Monday, the customer service offices will open, offering personalized information and allowing residents to begin processing future transport passes. The number of information points will increase from one at City Hall to four: Calle Mayor (number 32), Patricio Pérez (number 17), Avenida de Delfina Viudes (number 12), and the bus station (Calle del Mar, 50), open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

However, the complete maps of the new bus network won't be published until July 13th , while the official schedules will be released on the 20th. What is known is that the new system will have 12 lines (nine daytime and three nighttime), expanding coverage to neighborhoods and residential areas and incorporating an on-demand service for certain zones. It will also 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, these will be between 20 and 22 minutes from Monday to Sunday.

The service's website will be activated on the 24th, accessible via QR codes installed on bus shelters and buses, and from that day until the 26th the final information will be installed on bus shelters, new stops, offices and municipal points.

Vidal also announced that the Local Police are already marking the bus stops, but that the route and timetable information will not be updated until three days before the service begins on the 27th to avoid confusion. Regarding the new bus shelters — 181 in total — representing a separate investment of 1.5 million euros, he confirmed that their installation 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, several months ahead of the original contract timeline. During this phase, the new transport cards and passes will be introduced and will circulate alongside the existing ones until the end of the year to facilitate the transition between the two systems.

There will be a free pass for seniors (over 65), pensioners, and people with a disability of 33% or less. Another special pass for large families, the long-term unemployed, and young people under 26 will cost €0.88. A separate pass for tourists will cost €10 for three days or €18 for a week. The standard pass will cost €1.50 per journey, with the option to reduce it to €1.10 with a multi-trip card. A monthly pass will cost €44 . All passes offer free transfers.

In addition, the traffic light priority system for buses will be implemented, a technological improvement that will reduce travel times, improve punctuality and increase the regularity of the service, as well as exclusive or priority bus lanes on 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 - .

[Bee]

Thanks Carl. That's a lot to digest and a lot of work to happen in the next 12 months regarding infrastructure like new buses new buildings and automation of the ticketing system.

Bee