Full steam ahead for new tram system
The new tram system in the Tenerife capital of Santa Cruz will carry its first fare-paying passengers on June 2.
The new light rail system, or Tranvia, as it is known on the island, has been ready to go into service for a week or two now but its inauguration was delayed because of local elections due to take place on May 27.
Officially, the tram service’s political masters did not want to be accused of taking advantage of the opening.
The cynical among you are probably thinking that they might also have considered that voters might not be favourably disposed towards them if the service hit unforeseen snags during its early days of operation.
Tramcars are already a familiar sight in the business centres of Santa Cruz and its near neighbour La Laguna, the two areas linked by the new service.
The metro system is designed to relieve congestion in the two cities, which, unless checked, will cause traffic gridlock in five years time – New tram system to relieve traffic congestion.
The Tranvia was involved in its first accident during trials being carried out in the run-up to the opening when a woman was struck by a moving tram while she was distracted by her mobile phone. Fortunately she was only slightly injured.
The incident led to a number of safety concerns being voiced by some citizens, who claim the trams will be a threat to pedestrians walking along previously traffic-free streets.
The incident has prompted the operators of the new service to embark on a safety campaign in the build up to the opening, reminding citizens and shoppers of the need to be vigilant when walking near the tramlines.