Spain is actively taking measures to encourage people to use public transport, rather than using their own vehicles. From September 1, a measure was taken to offer a 50 percent discount on the price of season tickets for some bus routes for frequent passengers. Now, however, Spain’s free travel scheme has been extended to include long-distance coaches.
Long-distance coach travel to be free in Spain from 2023
Along with a number of other countries, Spain is taking steps to handle the effects of climate change. Previously the country offered discounts on the price of season tickets for some bus routes. However, now, Spain is now offering free travel on long-distance coaches.
Authorities state that a new discount on long-distance coach travel could save more than 350 million liters (92 million gallons) throughout the year. Meanwhile, it would subsequently prevent the emission of 1 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
However, not only does this reduce Spain’s carbon footprint, but it also saves money for passengers and is an ideal way to save on gas usage in these difficult times.
Free-to-ride state long-distance coaches
Raquel Sanchez, the Minister of Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda in Spain, confirmed the latest measure during an appearance at the Congress of Deputies. Sanchez announced that long-distance coaches that form part of the State concession network will be free to ride from 2023.
According to the minister, the government has reached an agreement with the PdeCat (Catalan European Democratic Party) that public coaches on State lines will be free from next year, as are commuter trains.
Previously, as of September 1, a similar measure was in force but was limited to a 50 percent discount on the price of season tickets for some bus routes. However, as of 2023, fares will be free for frequent passengers, after payment of a €20 (US$20.80) deposit, which will be repaid if the pass is used.
Meanwhile, this measure is aimed at Spanish companies that operate state-owned coach routes throughout the country. Moreover, they would also offer season tickets and multi-trip tickets before the new measure was enacted.
Regular coach routes
To get an idea of the coach journeys, this would apply to regular passengers on lines such as those linking Madrid and Segovia, Madrid and Guadalajara, Barcelona and Teruel, Jaen and Madrid, Zaragoza and Castellon de la Plana, Gijon and Leon, Irun and Tui or Logrono and Sora. Passengers can purchase season tickets for 10, 20, or 30 journeys at a 50 percent discount at present. However, this is to be increased to 100 percent in the New Year.
As mentioned, Sanchez stated that this discount could save more than 350 million liters (92 million gallons) of gas throughout the year. Meanwhile, it would subsequently prevent the emission of 1 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the ministry further calculated that a family of four in Spain can save from €1,800 (US$1,872) to €3,000 (US$3,121) on average. This measure has been brought in after free train tickets were introduced for short and medium-distance journeys in September.