The first rumblings of discontent regarding this move had to do with the fact that there was no bus shelter for the Palma bus. There now is, albeit that the number of waiting passengers spread out and have no shelter. The latest has to do with noise and fumes from the buses. A resident who lives right opposite the local service bus stop, Lorraine Hannen, contacted the Bulletin at the weekend and explained that the buses are "driving people to distraction" because of the noise and fumes.
The local service runs every fifteen minutes and can mean that there is more than one bus at a time. These buses are, says Lorraine, left with their engines running for up to ten minutes or more, creating additional noise and fumes. Speaking on behalf of other residents, she pointed out that another resident has already sent a complaint to Arriva, the bus company which operates Autocares Mallorca (the local service) and is ultimately owned by Deutsche Bahn (the German rail company).
When the bus stop was by the tourist office, there was never a particular issue with noise or fumes, given that there is little residential property and that the site is open. In Roger de Flor, on the other hand, the street is relatively narrow with several-storey apartments to one side and, in part of the street, the church to the other.
The town hall, meantime, has been contacted by residents as well, and the Bulletin was informed today by councillor Andres Nevado Rodríguez, the town hall delegate for Puerto Pollensa, that he is aware of residents' concerns. Contrary to information given to Lorraine Hannen at the local municipal office, Sr. Nevado confirms that the bus stops on Roger de Flor are not intended to be permanent. He says that in two to three months there will be a definitive draft of the project to locate the bus stops next to the Formentor bypass, a solution which had been suggested some time ago.
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As far as getting things done - properly and in time for the tourist season, this council has failed miserably. They did, however, get time to have the blue zone pay to park agreed upon to start 1st. June. I believe they subscribe to a 'quality tourism body' to gain certification. I know these things mean nothing but a logo on a letterhead. It's a pity this organisation has 'no teeth' with which to penalise poor quality tourism. Wouldn't it be great if they could punish with a fine?? I don't expect anything will be said or done.
Why can they not find a way to go down the main st and use the old bus stop....have passed lots of people af the old stop not knowing where it has been moved to...we all know but not that easy for visitors
Another example of the muddle headed thinking of the Town Hall, they seem to forget that the Port is a tourist destination and people , many of whom are elderly, who wish to take day boat trips to Formentor, or even sit on the waterfront, have no desire to walk a long distance from the back of the town. In addition , following the introduction of the one way system, parking there has now been reduced by almost 50%.
I have to say that the buses in Mallorca are uncomfortably loud as they come racing past along promenades all around the Island. Considering Mallorcas reputation for being environmentally friendly, this problem of noise pollution needs addressing !