Rebeca Torró, minister of Regional Policy and Public Works, addressed the Municipal Forum with a clear commitment to a decarbonised public service in the face of current challenges. She described decarbonization as one of the accelerating levers of change shaping the world, emphasizing how different sectors of society and the economy can adapt and advance. In transport, the emphasis was on promoting bicycles and expanding the most efficient, low-pollution public services. The Generalitat’s actions are directed toward the Valencian Community, placing it at the center of this transformation across industry and society alike.
She underscored that public private cooperation remains a key factor for progress, helping to push sustainable growth and to implement policies that confront climate change and drive decarbonization forward. The ministry plans for a significant budget in the coming year, totaling 693 million euros, with Alicante projected to absorb a substantial share of regional investments at the provincial level. By year end, the ministry intends to sign two agreements with the State that will allocate 300 million euros for the period 2022-2025. These funds will support railway infrastructure, pedestrian and cycle initiatives, and broader sustainable mobility solutions. Additionally, about 15 million euros will be invested in several Vega Baja actions, including the tendering of a project to split the CV-95 route between Jacarilla and Los Montesinos.
Another major area of investment for 2023 centers on FGVs TRAM network. Torró highlighted the ongoing modernization of Line 9, connecting Benidorm and Dénia, a project started in the previous legislature and slated for completion in the current assembly.
The minister also spoke about improving connectivity between Luceros station, Renfe, and the Adif network, along with plans to build new tram lines serving Sant Joan d’Alacant, Mutxamel, and districts including Florida, Ciudad de Asís, and San Fernando Princess Mercedes. Extensions are planned for Line 2 to the San Vicente del Raspeig hospital in Alicante and a new line linking the Alacant intermodal hub with the San Vicente hospital. The initial actions of this plan, with an anticipated investment around 100 million euros, will focus on the link between Luceros and Renfe stations. Torró described this work as a cornerstone for intermodality between the TRAM network and rail, creating a foundation for expanding the regional tram network around the Alicante area. A study will also be tendered to explore tram links between Orihuela and Torrevieja and the Alicante-Elx airport to assess communication options.
On another front, Torró recalled that the council approved a decree-law in September to provide direct grants for the implementation of public transport for both passengers and on-demand services in small municipalities with unique characteristics. The investment reached five million euros in direct aid to 368 municipalities with populations up to 5,000. This support serves more than 400,000 potential travelers, acting as an additional means to transport residents to county centers for essential health or other needs.