Cabildo Replaces Half of Intercity Bus Fleet
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura has replaced roughly 50 % of its inter‑urban transport fleet. Today, twelve new “guaguas” (buses) were unveiled, joining the ten that entered service in April. In total, 22 new vehicles have been added, allowing the renewal of almost half of the public‑service buses and providing more comfortable, accessible, and sustainable transport.
Fleet Renewal Details
- Fleet size: increased from 49 to 56 operational buses.
- Average vehicle age: reduced to 3.8 years on the island, compared with the Canary Islands average of 7.5 years.
- Annual service increase: additional 210,000 km of routes per year.
- Service cost: the inter‑urban service remains free for passengers, with a commitment to keep it fully free.
The new buses feature improved comfort, safety, and low‑emission technology, aligning with the Cabildo’s sustainability goals.
Statements from Officials
“The fleet renewal has been both qualitative—enhancing comfort, safety, and sustainability—and quantitative, expanding the operational fleet from 49 to 56 buses between 2024 and 2025,” said Lola García, President of the Cabildo.
“With this renewal, Fuerteventura now has one of the youngest regular public‑transport fleets in the archipelago,” García added, noting the 3.8‑year average age versus the regional 7.5‑year average.
“We are introducing new vehicles with the best specifications: more accessible, safer, and low‑emission buses, while continuing to pursue the new concession tender and constantly updating the current service,” explained Luis González, Councillor for Transport.
“Our collaboration with ALSA, the operating company, has been crucial. Even while the concession is in a renewal phase, ALSA has worked closely with the Cabildo to meet our demands and significantly improve the user experience,” González continued.
“Today we are not only presenting a new fleet but also reaffirming the strong commitment of both the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and ALSA to sustainable mobility on the island,” González concluded.
María Fernández, Director General of Transport and Mobility for the Government of the Canary Islands, highlighted the broader impact: “We are here to recognize the firm commitment of the Cabildo and ALSA to sustainable mobility. The free‑fare policy has had a clearly positive impact on citizens.”
“Our next goal is to retain the new users we have attracted and continue to grow ridership by offering increasingly better, more comfortable, and more sustainable mobility,” Fernández said.
“In addition to the twelve new buses, three extra units—electric and hybrid—will be added thanks to European funds channeled through the Cabildo,” Fernández explained, emphasizing the investment’s role in advancing quality service and greener transport.
Impact and Future Plans
- Infrastructure upgrades are underway, including new shelters and preferential stops.
- European funding will bring three additional electric/hybrid buses, further reducing emissions.
- The Cabildo reaffirms its pledge to maintain a modern, safe, sustainable, and fully free public‑transport system for all residents and visitors.
These measures position Fuerteventura as a leading example of progressive, eco‑friendly inter‑urban mobility within the Canary Islands.