Tenerife Tram

Tenerife Tram ("Tranvía de Tenerife") is a tram service based on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Service started on June 2, 2007 over a 12.5km (7.5mi) line which links the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Avenida de la Trinidad in La Laguna.

History

A street car system had once existed on Tenerife. It was inaugurated on April 7, 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.

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 ticket for the "guagua".

External links

*es icon [http://www.tranviatenerife.com/ Tranvía de Tenerife]
*en icon [http://www.draemmli.info/report-tenerife_e.html Tenerife Tram construction report]