The Balearic government which presides Marga Prohens (PP) reminded the PSOE of the Balearic Islands that it cannot make any decisions regarding the free public transport in the islands because it is a matter that depends directly on the socialist government of Spain Pedro Sanchez.
This is what the Minister of Housing, Territory and Mobility declared, Jose Luis Mateowho criticized the Balearic PSOE for not having applied said bonus during the last two legislatures in which he presided over the government with Francine Armengol at the head of the regional executive.
“If they were so clear that this measure was so necessary and essential, Why did the government not apply it for eight years and let two legislatures pass?», replied the advisor popular to the socialist deputy Ares Fernández.
The PSIB leader argued that the elimination of free access would lead to a decrease in the use of public transport and increase in private transport. “Don’t wait for Madrid to make mobility policies. “They have their own resources, they have European funds, they have the sustainable tourism tax (ITS), they have the insularity factor…” affirmed the socialist.
In turn, Mateo assured that “it was the Government of Pedro Sánchez that implemented it for free and it will be the Government of Pedro Sánchez.” whoever eliminates or maintains it by 2025“. In addition, he urged the Balearic PSOE to propose its retention in the Ministry of Transport.
In his second round of speech, Fernández insisted that mobility policies, as provided for in the Statute of Autonomy of the Balearic Islands, are the responsibility of the Regional Executive. “Or is free mobility not a mobility policy?” he quips. He also referred to the study on road load presented recently by the Consell de Mallorca and which proposes reducing vehicle access to the island and maintaining free access.
“Didn’t they think to rectify? Have they not considered assuming their powers and maintaining free public transport? And how do you plan to deal with the increase in traffic that will be generated,” asked the socialist?
Other railway projects
The minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding the rail network and assured that it was progressing on all projects proposed in the Sector Mobility Master Plan. On the one hand, he said, the informative study of the train to Llucmajor has been approved, while we continue to “work and advance” on the line from Sa Pobla to Alcúdia – “ very close to completing the study” – and the extension of the train for Manacor to Artà and Capdepera.
On this subject, Fernández regretted that the train project to Llucmajor served to abandon the tram project. “If the model is to reject projects that do not favor private transport, but rather collective transport, you have chosen the regression of the mobility of this Autonomous Community.”
Finally, the councilor announced that work was also underway to modify the 2024-2030 mobility contracts “to adapt the service to real demand” and that this would lead to an increase in the budget of 150 million euros. This will mean, he said, an increase in the number of buses – up to 50% –, routes, frequencies and timetables.
