The Cabildo has strengthened Lanzarote’s public transport network with the addition of five new sustainable hybrid buses. This acquisition forms a key part of the island’s ongoing strategy to modernise its interurban services.
This fleet expansion was made possible by a grant awarded to the operator Arrecife Bus S.L. for its “Renovation and expansion of the public transport fleet” project. The initiative falls under the European Union’s Next Generation program. The investment of €1.4 million brings the total number of new hybrid buses acquired between 2024 and 2025 to ten, representing a total investment of €2.8 million by the Cabildo.
Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo, emphasised the importance of this step. “These new buses represent a significant advance in sustainability, as we continue to invest in more modern and efficient public transport that helps reduce emissions, improve our air quality, and facilitate travel for citizens and visitors.”
The Vice President of the Cabildo and head of the Planning and Project Coordination Department, María Jesús Tovar, highlighted the effective use of European funds. “The Cabildo has made efficient use of European funds to improve the quality of public transport. This investment not only modernises the fleet but also guarantees a more equitable and sustainable service for all municipalities on the island.”
New Hospital Line and Reinforced Routes
A key outcome of this acquisition will be the introduction of a new direct line to Hospital in Arrecife. This service will provide a regular and accessible connection between the Interchange and Arrecife Bus Station and the island’s main hospital, with an estimated frequency of every 30 minutes.
Furthermore, existing busy routes will see immediate improvements. The Councillor for Transport, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, explained, “The North Line, serving Órzola, Haría, Teguise, and Arrecife, and the Tinajo to Arrecife Line will also be reinforced. Both of these lines have seen sustained growth in demand and peaks of saturation at certain times of the day and on weekends.”
Jiménez stressed that these actions represent a “qualitative leap” for the network. “Not only are we improving coverage and frequency, but we are also offering users safer, more sustainable, and more accessible vehicles. Lanzarote needs public transport that is in line with its development and its commitment to responsible mobility.”
Sustained Growth in Island Public Transport
These new measures arrive during a period of significant growth for Lanzarote’s public transport. User numbers have surged from 5.14 million in 2022 to 7.66 million in 2024, an increase of 49.12%.
This rising demand has been supported by a comprehensive fleet renewal. The number of operational vehicles has grown from 54 in 2022 to 73 in 2024, significantly reducing the average age of the buses to just 4.14 years. This figure is well below the 12-year technical limit established for this type of service.
The five new buses feature low-emission hybrid technology and incorporate the most advanced systems for safety, sustainability, and accessibility. Key features include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), rearview cameras, driver breathalysers, protective screens, and intelligent fleet management platforms.
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