The tram in La Laguna during a test run (2007)

Tenerife Tram (Tranvía de Tenerife) is a tram service based on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Service started on June 2, 2007 over a 12.5km (7.5mi) line which links the Intercambiador in Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Avenida de la Trinidad in La Laguna.

History

A street car system had once existed on Tenerife. It was inaugurated on April 7, 1901, with a service that began in Santa Cruz and finished in La Laguna. It was designed by the Spanish engineer and military man Julio Cervera Baviera. In 1904 the line was extended to Tacoronte. In 1927 the Cabildo of Tenerife took control of the operating company due to economic problems. The tram car lines remained functional until 1951, when, due to a series of problems and accidents, and increased competition with the car and bus (on Tenerife, buses are called guaguas), the service was discontinued.

Criticisms

Opposition to the tram service stems from the apparent lack of debate on the construction of this line, as well as the great costs associated with the construction of this service. The cost to the passenger is comparable to buying a ticket for the guagua.

Tenerife Tram

Legend 0,0 (Santa Cruz) Intercambiador Travel Time (SC) Fundación 3min (SC) Teatro Guimerá 4min (SC-Plaza) Weyler 6min (SC) La Paz 8min (SC) Puente Zurita 10min (SC) Cruz del Señor 12min (SC) Conservatorio 14min (Ofra) Chimisay 15min (Ofra) Principes de España 17min (Ofra) Hospital La Calendaria 19min Autopista del Norte TF-5 Taco 20min Tram depot (Taco) El Cardonal 23min Autopista del Norte TF-5 (La Cuesta) Hospital Universitario 24min (La Cuesta) Las Mantecas 27min (LL) Campus Guajara 29min (LL) Gracia 30min (LL) Museo de la Ciencia 32min (LL) Cruz de Piedra 33min (LL) Padre Anchieta 36min 12,5 (La Laguna) La Trinidad 37min

External links

• (Spanish) Tranvía de Tenerife
• (English) Tenerife Tram construction report

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Trams in Tenerife