Edarte Business Association Proposes Alternative Route for Buses
The Edarte Business Association has expressed criticism regarding the planned road closures during the Rally Villa de Teror, scheduled for Saturday, 27th September. The association highlighted that there are no designated bus services for that day.
According to the organisation, after making various inquiries, “there is no expectation that the public transport service operated by Global will make any journeys for the loading or unloading of passengers throughout the day, apart from the 6:00 am service to Teror.”
Furthermore, Edarte notes that the “Service Status” section on Global’s website does not identify any interruptions or alternative arrangements. It emphasises, “Based on the available information, there will be no way to reach the highest municipality on the island by public bus.”
Concerns Over Mobility in Artenara
In light of the Rally Islas Canarias celebration, Edarte submitted a letter to the Transport Service of the Sustainable Mobility Department of the Gran Canaria Cabildo, to which they have not received a response to date. The letter highlighted the “serious consequences” for mobility in the municipality of Artenara due to the disruption of this service and demanded alternative solutions be scheduled if normal operations are not possible.
Despite public commitments from the Sustainable Mobility Department of the Gran Canaria Cabildo to implement alternatives, the organisation noted, “once again, there is a restriction on public services due to the celebration of a motor sports event.”
Importance of Road Connectivity
Edarte underscores that the municipality of Artenara heavily relies on road connectivity, given the limited mobility alternatives available to residents and individuals who commute to work regularly.
The association acknowledges that events like the Rally Villa de Teror aim to stimulate the economies of the municipalities through which they pass and that businesses in Artenara are aware of and working towards achieving these objectives. However, situations like the one on Saturday “significantly impede the functioning of a municipality where depopulation and remoteness already exacerbate the fragility of its economy and the public services we access.”
Call for Urgent Action
Consequently, Edarte demands that this situation be rectified “urgently” and calls for sufficient publicity to ensure that individuals wishing to reach Teror can do so in the best manner possible under the circumstances.
