Tenerife gets Spain’s first Double-Decker Buses for Public Transport
TITSA are set to introduce Spain’s first double-decker buses into its public transport network, with 13 new vehicles expected to be in service before the end of summer in Tenerife.
The first of these pioneering buses arrived at the Port of Santa Cruz on Sunday and will soon begin operating on some of the island’s busiest long-distance routes connecting the north and south.
Island president Rosa Dávila presented the new vehicle, highlighting its modern design and advanced technology. Notably, the bus replaces traditional wing mirrors with high-tech cameras, improving visibility for drivers.
Built by a specialist manufacturer in Girona, the vehicle only left the factory days ago before being shipped to Tenerife from mainland Spain via Gran Canaria.
Boost for Busy Routes
The new double-decker buses will initially be used to reinforce the popular 110 route between Santa Cruz and Costa Adeje, which currently runs every 15 minutes and carried around 1.2 million passengers in 2025.
Capacity on these services is set to increase by 44%, rising from 59 seats to 85 per vehicle.
Additional routes set to benefit include:
- Line 112 (Santa Cruz to Los Cristianos via the TF-1)
- Line 108 (Santa Cruz to Icod de los Vinos via the TF-5)
These routes are key for commuters with limited stops, making them particularly attractive for both residents and tourists.
Rollout by Summer
Four buses are expected to arrive each month, with all 13 units on the island by June and fully operational during the summer season.
Before entering service, each vehicle will undergo final preparation in TITSA workshops, including the installation of onboard systems such as ticketing, passenger information displays, and driver assistance technology.
Comfort, Safety and Accessibility
The new buses have been designed with passenger comfort in mind. Features include:
- Seatbelts on all seats
- Charging ports for mobile devices
- Spacious areas for passengers with reduced mobility
- Dual access ramps (electric and manual)
- Visual information systems for visually impaired users
Encouraging Public Transport Use
The Cabildo says the investment forms part of a wider strategy to reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to leave their cars at home.
Since free public transport was introduced in 2023, passenger numbers have nearly doubled, with the island now operating one of the youngest and most modern bus fleets in Spain, averaging just over three years old.
A total of 351 new buses have been added in the past three years, with a further 57 due to join the fleet later this year.
Looking ahead, Tenerife plans to expand its double-decker fleet even further, with five more units expected by 2027, bringing the total to 18.
Authorities also point out that the newer fleet has already helped reduce emissions by more than 7%, supporting a cleaner and more sustainable transport system across the island.
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