Residents relying on public transport in the Community of Valencia have reason to smile. In a move announced by Generalitat President Ximo Puig, the 2023 regional budget includes a continued extension of a 30% discount on public transport, lasting through the end of the next year. This extension builds on prior support and adds momentum for affordable mobility across the region, covering services under territorial jurisdiction and the various bus concessions operated by municipal and regional authorities as well as national bodies. The plan comes at a time when regional leaders are anticipating a busy year ahead with elections on the horizon, making reliable transport a key issue for voters and commuters alike.
The 30% reduction is paired with a broader framework that can ultimately bring total savings up to 50% for public transport in the region, depending on how central and regional authorities coordinate subsidies and service coverage. Puig emphasized that the expansion will roll out in 2023, aligning with the government’s broader goals for accessible mobility and regional cohesion. He noted that the initiative includes free options for certain commuter and mid-distance routes, a program that has already been announced by the national administration under the leadership of Pedro Sánchez, highlighting a coordinated effort to ease travel costs for everyday use and longer trips alike.
During a control session at the Cortes, the Consell president described the transport measures introduced over recent months as having a very positive impact. He urged capitalizing on what he called a historic moment fueled by European Recovery and Resilience Funds, arguing that these resources should accelerate decarbonisation and the adoption of cleaner, more efficient public transit systems as quickly as possible. The emphasis was on building a transport model that is not only affordable but also sustainable for the long term, with an eye toward cleaner air and reduced congestion across the region.
Regarding the free transport initiative for individuals under 30, Puig acknowledged that there have been difficulties securing appointments to claim the title. He stated that the government has accepted the need to extend the free period and confirmed that it will be extended at least until January 15, to give more people a chance to access the benefit. The aim is to remove barriers to entry and ensure young people can enjoy reliable, no-cost transit while they complete studies or begin their professional journeys. In addition, officials emphasized ongoing improvements to the public transport network to raise overall quality.
On the service front, the regional budget for 2023 includes plans to renew fleets and increase service frequencies in key corridors. Projects under consideration include upgrades to the Dénia-Gandia route, the Orihuela-Torrevieja corridor, and the crucial Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport connection. These improvements are intended to make daily commutes smoother, shorten wait times, and provide better connections for residents traveling for work, education, or leisure. The government stressed that these enhancements are essential to maintaining a high quality of life and supporting local economies dependent on efficient mobility networks.
In related remarks, the PSPV leadership reiterated the call for a stronger commitment to infrastructure within the General Government Budgets (PGE) for 2023. The message was clear: investment in transport infrastructure translates directly into improved quality of life for workers and students alike, expanding access to jobs, education, and essential services. Yet, in the same discussion, it was acknowledged that central government accounts must be recalibrated to address concerns about underinvestment in the Alicante province and to balance regional needs with national priorities. This tension reflects the ongoing push for more equitable funding across regions, especially where transport networks underpin daily life and regional growth.
Finally, the Unides Podem delegation urged Puig to champion bold, permanent transport policies that would ensure lasting improvements beyond electoral cycles. One proposal floated was to explore a model similar to Germany’s nine-euro monthly public transport pass, a targeted approach aimed at making mobility affordable for a broad segment of residents while encouraging the use of public transit over private vehicles. The conversation underscored a shared belief that long-term investment, strategic route planning, and frequent service must go hand in hand with financial incentives to create a durable, accessible transport framework for Valencia and its communities.