Following recent criticism of the government's transport policies, the minister for transport Marc Pons has explained that the metro in Palma will be extended to the ParcBit technology park and that a study is to be made for it to go to Son Espases Hospital as well. Speaking in parliament, he added that other projects are to be given consideration and that the metro extension would be just the first.
Taking the metro to ParcBit will mean building 1.2 kilometres of track, and Pons said that the drafting of the project and tender will probably be before the end of the current administration (in May next year). The government is planning the greatest increase in public transport of any administration, he insisted.
He stressed that the government's transport plan, which is to be presented next month, will improve the public transport network, reduce use of private vehicles and lessen congestion on the roads. Yesterday, the cabinet was due to have approved the procedures for the contracts for new concessions at a cost of 434 million euros over the next ten years.
Pons exchanged words with the PP's Mabel Cabrer, who maintained that the current government's transport record is "worse" than others. She highlighted road congestion, describing this as "horrific and with constant jams", a situation that demands solutions. Cabrer referred to the Council of Majorca's councillor for infrastructure, Mercedes Garrido (like Pons, a member of PSOE), who has said that the roads have reached their limits. "But she doesn't know how to respond, " claimed Cabrer.
The metro extension proposals hadn't been specifically included in the transport plan, but there has been lobbying for an extension. This excludes, however, taking the metro to the airport, which has been called for. Further development of the rail network is being promised. The government hasn't said anything definitive about this, but there have been hints regarding the reactivation of the Manacor-Arta line at the very least.
With the bus network, the concessions are to be rationalised. There will be three operators responsible for specific areas of the island. The new contracts, due to come into effect at the start of next year, include various stipulations to do with employment conditions and the environment.
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Lawrie. A rail link from the airport to Palma is what I’m saying. In the summer you can’t always get on a bus because of crowds. From Palma there are the options to get you where you want to go.
The number 1 goes to Palma every 10 minutes or so from the airport and from there you can go anywhere on the island. Sorted! A rail link from where? Its a tiny little island for goodness sake.
I can’t see why they can’t provide decent bus services to all parts of the island from the airport.They will pay for themselves in no time. Also a rail link to Palma connecting with the other modes of transport would be brilliant from the airport. If the taxi drivers don’t like it tell them it’s fair competition.....
Quite right Steve Riches!! Even Newcastle Airport has a metro link andthay doesn’t deal with anywhere near the number of passengers that Palma see....... yet when I use it, it’s always busy.
A link to the airport is blindingly obvious given the millions of passengers using the airport - most major airports in the world have such a link - but no doubt the taxi lobby and politicians will keep this island in the Dark Ages.
Grace ---I agree a rail llnk from The Airport to the Inter Modal, would be excellent. When it rains , the Buses all over the Island are full. The Tourists even forgo their All Inclusive food and drink !! The rail road already laid out from Manacor to Arta would be a major achievement. But in any of these urgent requirements, WHERE WILL THE FUNDS COME FROM ?.
A rail link from the airport to the North or to Palma - yesMore bus networks and more frequent, helps staff to move around quickly for work. Helps tourists on a wet day to get out and enjoy another area.