Regional public transport remains free for people under 31 through year’s end. This extension was confirmed by the Generalitat’s acting chair, Ximo Puig, who announced on Wednesday that the renewal of this measure also includes a 50% general discount for all users within Generalitat services: Metrovalencia, the Alicante Tram, the Castellón tram network, and intercity buses.
Speaking to journalists in Orihuela, Puig indicated that next Friday the relevant administrative councils of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat and the Valencia Metropolitan Transport Authority will meet. The extension was to be approved by the authority in charge of the policy, with Carlos Mazón poised as Puig’s successor at Palau. Mazón noted that the final decision would rest with the new leadership, but negotiations would continue so the current administration would be ready.
“We will circulate the requisite documents from Friday so that the measure remains free for those under 30 and so that Generalitat receives 50% of the aid from the Spanish Government to extend the discount to other citizens,” stated the Consell chairman. He emphasized that the extension would run until the end of the year and that its continuation would depend on the incoming government.
On Tuesday Mazón urged Puig to push this measure forward as soon as possible, stressing the need to provide peace of mind, safety, and convenience in public transport for young people and others who have benefited to date. The Government’s aid has already arrived, Mazón noted, and there was no reason to delay the extension.
measurement from September
Free travel for youths up to age 30 was one of Puig’s commitments during the general policy debate in the Valencian Courts at the end of September 2022, and the program was launched a month later. The initial plan targeted the end of January to counter inflation and promote sustainable mobility, though the measure was extended first to the end of July. This ensured the transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations could be managed smoothly. Mazón pressed for the extension to be enacted by Puig.
In the first months of operation, around 240,000 residents under 30 in the Community of Valencia benefited from the free passes. The program has facilitated roughly 4 million trips, translating into savings of about 2 million euros. The passes are valid on Metrovalencia, TRAM d’Alacant, TRAM de Castelló, Metrobús, and EMT transport services.