Tenerife Tram

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Where it runs at street level the Tranvía de Tenerife is separated from other traffic

A tramcar in La Laguna during a test run (2007)

Tenerife Tram (Spanish: Tranvía de Tenerife) is a light rail or tram service located on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands (Spain). It is operated by Metropolitano de Tenerife, a limited company 80% owned by the Cabildo of Tenerife. Service started on 2 June 2007 over a 12.5 km (7.77 mi) line which links the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Avenida de la Trinidad in La Laguna. A second line between La Cuesta and Tíncer opened in 2009 (connecting with Line 1 at Hospital Universitario and El Cardonal). It is the only existing tramway or train in the Canary Islands.

[edit] History

A streetcar (tram) system had once existed on Tenerife. It was inaugurated on 7 April 1901, with a service that began in Santa Cruz and finished in La Laguna. It was designed by the Spanish engineer and military man Julio Cervera Baviera. In 1904 the line was extended to Tacoronte. In 1927 the Cabildo of Tenerife took control of the operating company due to economic problems. The tram car lines remained functional until 1951, when, due to a series of problems and accidents, and increased competition with the car and bus (on Tenerife, buses are called guaguas), the service was discontinued.

[edit] Criticisms

Opposition to the tram service stems from the apparent lack of debate on the construction of this line, as well as the great costs associated with the construction of this service. The cost to the passenger is comparable to buying a bus ticket.

Tenerife Tram

Legend