For at least six more months, transportation by metro and tram will continue to be free for under 30s. Generalitat chief Ximo Puig announced yesterday that Consell will extend this measure beyond the end of January, until July 31, when it was originally planned (after starting in October), and will again go beyond the election period.
This was suggested by the head of the Valencian Government in an interview with Cadena Ser, where he argued that this measure had a “double effect”. On the one hand, public transport “has more users” so it has an impact on mobility decarbonisation, and on the other hand, “people are supported by making travel cheaper.”
In fact, the measure has saved users two million euros in this quarterly operation, according to Generalitat sources. That’s why there are 240,000 children under the age of 30 residing in the Community of Valencia enjoying one of these free passes that facilitate four million trips through this Christmas week.
These passes can be used on the Metrovalencia, Tram d’Alacant, Tram de Castelló, Metrobús and EMT transport services; that is, those with regional competence and town halls accepting this reduction with Consell, which bears half the cost, while consulates have to cover the other 50% of the cost of the measure.
In this sense, Generalitat will extend the financing of 50% of the free urban transportation in municipalities that want to participate in this measure until 31 July. These savings actions add to other existing initiatives such as new Suma tickets (allowing the integration of different transportation fares in the same region) or a 30% discount on the subscription price for all users.
Puig said in the interview that these measures will add to others related to transportation. In this context, the head of Consell announced that “in a few months” the regional government will present the Generalitat Valenciana’s new railway plan for the next ten years, allowing it to reach “the entire Valencian Community”. . He added that the Valencia region will be a “transformative roadmap for public mobility and decarbonisation”.
During the interview, the president stressed the importance of taking environmental actions several times. In particular, he mentioned the renewable energy filings, which he stated will be positively resolved before the 25th January deadline, so that companies do not lose their warranties and ties with Red Eléctrica.
Regarding this debate, which has sparked significant tensions in Consell (especially between PSPV and Compromís), he acknowledged that whenever there was economic activity, as the Valencia coalition had warned, “an impact occurs in the region”, but Puig claimed yesterday that “you decide.” You must give.” “You cannot remain neutral in the fight against climate change,” said Puig.
Saying he was “aware” of the “controversies”, Consell chief assured that the Valencian Government is working “in that direction” to stop dependence on fossil fuels. To do so, he insisted on his commitment to proposing to political forces and society a “big deal” for energy because “we are in so much danger.”