Plans for rail transport in north Tenerife have moved a step closer to becoming reality with the announcement that three top transport engineering consultants are to submit initial ideas for the massive infrastructure project.
The island’s governing Cabildo has confirmed that the three well-known firms – who collectively boast an impressive track record of light rail and metro systems in countries from Saudi Arabia to Canada – have signed up to take part in the tender to draft plans for the rail link, seen as crucial to alleviating the problems plaguing the TF5 motorway, which is regularly gridlocked due to congestion.
The initial plans will explore aspects such as the best format for the rail link (overground, underground or a combination of the two), as well as its economic viability and, in particular, its environmental impact. According to the island authorities, when fully operational the route could carry up to 10 million passengers a year and smooth interconnection will be ensured with the existing Santa Cruz-La Laguna tram and the proposed light rail link from the island’s capital Santa Cruz to the resorts in the south.
Island president Rosa Dávila said she understood that people might be sceptical about the northern train project given that it has been the subject of discussion for 20 years without progress. However, she insisted that the authorities are “firmly committed” to a rail solution for Tenerife’s transport problems.
