BOOM IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Joan Collins THE Balearic Islands Transport Service (TIB) recorded an increase in passengers of more than 13 percent during the first six months of 2006 compared to the same period last year. TIB carried over four million passengers between January and June 2006, according to sources from the Balearic Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Transport. The sources recalled the strong backing which the Balearic Government had given to public transport, with several new lines put in place by the Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Transport and the improvement to the existing ones, such as a more frequent service. This had, said the sources, all contributed to this increase in the number of regular passengers travelling by bus. More precisely, during the first six months of the year TIB carried 4'261'681 passengers, which is an increase of 13.89 percent in comparison with the first six months of 2005. During the first quarter 1'499'149 users were recorded, while during the second quarter this rose to 2'762'532 passengers. The lines which carried most passengers during the first quarter were: the IB35, which runs between Palma, Calvia, and Andratx (563'411 passengers); IB29, which runs between Palma and Cala Azul (208'114 passengers); and IB67, which runs between the Son Bonet airfield and Palma (128'032 passengers). As for the second quarter, the IB35 service continued to be the most used with 889'551 passengers, followed by IB21 which connects Palma with the bays of Alcudia and Pollensa (588'217 passengers) and IB29 with 295'177 passengers.