Government unveils new public transport image

The Balearic government unveiled a new united image for Majorca's public transport service yesterday, proclaiming that by 2006, 25 per cent of the population with be using the new colour-schemed buses and trains. Balearic Transport Minister, Francesc Quetglas, unveiling the new look public transport service, said yesterday that the aim of the government is to ease the pressure on the island's roads by meeting its target of 25 per cent of the population using public transport within the next four years. 1.4 million euros have been spent on the new image and the new yellow and red with a blue line colour scheme. Balearic President Francesc Antich unveiled the first of the newly coloured buses - the colour scheme is the same as the government's. The idea is to bring the railway and public bus services together. Quetglas said that boosting the Palma to Inca railway timetable has already led to a 15 per cent increase in passengers and the government believes that by improving the quality, reliability and frequencies of the island's public transport system, more people will use the service. Antich said that the public transport system is the only project the government has to complete in this legislature. “The public is waiting for more buses on the roads, Antich said, adding “already we have the new transport terminal in Palma.” The regional president also said that towards the end of this week, the new transport consortiums will get the green light which will mean each island has its own commission to improve, manage and control the public transport. He said that the public will eventually be able to buy individual tickets which will be valid for the buses and the trains while frequencies will be vastly increased. Antich said “public transport is the solution to the public's needs,” while helping to reduce traffic congestion and the pressure on the environment. This year the government will also be helping transport companies by subsidising the purchase of mini-buses to provide more local services.