One of the standout topics in the national discussion involved the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he addressed the state of the nation in mid-July. The plan introduces travel cards for Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia Renfe, offering a 100 percent discount from September 1 to December 31. The stated aim is to ease the financial strain on families facing rising inflation and the energy crisis, though the measure could be nuanced in practice according to the leader’s remarks.
In addition to this, Sanchez announced another measure: the government will subsidize 30 percent of urban and metropolitan transport passes, and he urged communities and municipalities to extend this discount as far as possible. Some administrations followed the central government’s directive, while others maintained the 30 percent subsidy from Moncloa, extending the transport ticket bonuses where feasible.
Madrid
The head of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, recently stated that the central government will increase the discounts on monthly transport cards initially announced. As a result, a 50 percent reduction will apply through December 31, benefiting users of buses, Cercanías, and the Madrid Metro.
Under the new scheme, prices are set as follows: monthly transport card for Crown A at 27.30 euros; Crown B1 at 31.80 euros; Crown B2 at 36 euros; Crown B3 – C1/C2 at 41 euros. The youth subscription will cost 10 euros, while the senior subscription will be available for 1.60 euros.
Madrid raises the discount on all bus and metro passes from 30% to 50%
Barcelona
The Generalitat has announced additional discounts layered on top of the government’s provisions, though eligibility is not universal. A discount of up to 50 percent on monthly and quarterly subscriptions will apply to users under 25, with special conditions considered for single-parent and extended families.
Asturias
The Government of the Principality of Asturias unveiled a new measure on Wednesday: starting September 1, intercity trains and buses will offer unlimited travel for 30 euros per month, an 86 percent reduction from current rates. Alejandro Calvo, Minister of Rural Environment and Regional Cohesion, calls it a pivotal change that promotes social and regional cohesion.
Palma de Mallorca
Discounts will be extended up to 50 percent on all subscriptions (20 and 50 rides and unlimited) for both buses and trains. The Palma City Council will manage the 20-ride and 50-ride options, while the government handles the unlimited passes. By December 31, 20-ride tickets will be 6.50 euros; 50-ride tickets will be 14.50 euros; unlimited passes for residents will be 18.50 euros.
Bilbao and Victoria
The Basque Government allocated eleven million euros to extend public transport discounts up to 50 percent. The measure covers both season tickets and multi-trip passes and is planned to run until October 31. The municipal consortium will contribute ten percent, a move confirmed by Urkullu to ensure the program’s viability. The discounts cover trains, buses, and even funiculars. In Bilbao, prices will range from 16 to 29 euros; in Álava, the rate will be 15 euros, and in Guipúzcoa, discounts will apply to eligible groups where subscriptions do not exist.
Cordova
In the south, Córdoba joined the initiative with a 20 percent increase in discounts from September to December. The city’s monthly bus pass, administered by the City Council, will cost 16.5 euros instead of 33. All transport connected to the Junta de Andalucía will be excluded, where the 30 percent subsidy from Moncloa remains in effect.
Seville
Following confirmation from San Telmo that no extra discounts would apply to the government announcements, Seville’s City Council announced an exception for consortium-related titles: social and youth cards will enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent.
Malaga
Malaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, recently announced a 35 to 40 percent reduction in urban transport through December 31. The rates will be: a 10-trip voucher at 5.5 euros, a monthly pass at 25.95 euros, student passes at 17 euros, and pension cards between 5.95 and 17 euros depending on category.