As for long-distance lines, the connection between Donostia and Bilbao has grown by 21.55% and exceeds one million trips for the first time, while the connection to Loiu Airport grows by 18.35%, approaching 350,000 trips.
Lurraldebus closes 2023 with 26.4 million journeys, which represents an increase of 15.04% compared to the previous year, when 22,958,468 journeys and one growth of 4.41% compared to 2019, which held the record for travel to date with 25.3 million. According to the provincial deputy for Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Azahara Domínguez, “these data reflect not only that the use of public transport has restored pre-pandemic figures, but also that it is significantly improving them.”
Growth in long distance lines
Domínguez has highlighted the growth of the use of public transport “in all regions” of the territory. As for long-distance lines, the connection between Donostia-San Sebastián and Bilbao has grown by 21.55% and more than a million rides for the first time (1 069 018), while connection to Loiu airport grows 18.35%, almost 350,000 rides. Finally, the line that has grown the most has been the one that connects San Sebastián with Vitoria-Gasteizof which the number of trips has increased by 26%, with almost 450,000.
Increase in the use of city buses
The usage data of Lurraldebus is supplemented with growth, also of city buses, so that between these buses Gipuzkoa registered 59.2 million bus trips in 2023compared to 51.2 in 2022, which amounts to one 15.7% increase. He also emphasized that in San Sebastián Dbus ended the year with 29.6 million rideswhich means a 16.05 percent growth.
Domínguez, accompanied by the general director of the ATTG, Eluska Renedo, has emphasized “the support of Gipuzkoans for public transport”, which in her opinion “is the result of the commitment of this department to make Lurraldebus a comfortable, to provide a safe, quality service that adapts to the needs of citizens, thus contributing to making Gipuzkoa a territory that is not only more sustainable, but also more democratic, with a tariff system that rewards use and accounts takes into account the most disadvantaged groups when applying their bonuses, ensuring no one is left behind.
“The extension of opening hours, the reinforcement of services during peak hours or the improvement of services during weekends or the summer season, in addition to the numerous reinforcements that have been implemented, have made it easier for citizens to bet especially on the use of public transport,” he emphasized.
To this he added the bonus policy promoted by the Spanish government of PSOE and Sumar, “supplemented by all competent local government services, which has given impetus to the use of public transport in Gipuzkoa.” “We must continue to work on continuing to improve and democratize services, ensure that all citizens of Gipuzkoa have a sustainable public transport service and facilitate their choice of private vehicles,” he stressed.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
