The Cabildo de Lanzarote has launched six new buses that are intended to reinforce the interurban public transport service on the island. One of the points that will register improvements will be Playa Blanca, where two vehicles are incorporated to improve line 30, reducing the average waiting time from 30 to 15 minutes.
Likewise, two other buses integrated into the service will contribute to increasing the number of available seats on lines 1, 2, and 3, which connect Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and Puerto del Carmen.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, has stated that these additions through the concessionaire "continue to make interurban public transport more efficient and accessible"; and has clarified that during this term, more than 30 new buses have already been acquired, "a historic figure that reflects the firm commitment of this Institution to mobility".
Betancort has also underlined the inclusive nature of these new units: “Lanzarote becomes the first island in the Canary Islands to introduce cognitive accessibility to vehicles, for people with intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties. We want public transport designed for everyone, where no one is left behind,” he commented.
For his part, the Minister of Transport and Mobility, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, has highlighted the global effort that the Cabildo is making in this matter. “It is not just about acquiring latest-generation buses, which is also true, but about advancing with planning. We are developing an Insular Mobility Strategy that will mark the future of transport in Lanzarote,” he explained.
At the same time, the insular head of Transport has reported that the tender for the new interurban transport contract will foreseeably go ahead this summer.
Lastly, the other two buses will be destined for the operational needs of the concessionaire.
Characteristics of the new buses
The new units, of the IVECO Crossway Line 13-meter model, are low-emission hybrid vehicles, equipped with a nine-liter engine and start-stop system that optimizes consumption.
In terms of safety, they incorporate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), capable of detecting lateral and frontal obstacles, recognizing speed signs, alerting about driver fatigue, or automatically activating lights during sudden braking, in addition to having a rearview camera and tire pressure control.
These buses also include a breathalyzer that guarantees the vehicle can only start after the driver's test, as well as ABS and ASR braking systems. The driver's seat has a protective screen, reinforcing safety.
Its commitment to accessibility stands out especially, thanks to the HTC system from Hanover, which offers sound and visual information adapted not only to people with sensory disabilities, but also to those with attention or comprehension difficulties.
Finally, they incorporate advanced management technology through the Wemob platform, which allows for real-time fleet location and control.