Canary Islands Free Public Transport Initiative

Overview

In a significant move to boost mobility and support residents, the Canary Islands government has formalized a deal with Lanzarote's local authorities to make public transport completely free on the island in 2025.

This initiative stems from a broader national effort to reduce transportation costs amid economic challenges and ongoing crises affecting Spain and Europe. The protocol, signed on October 27, 2025, ensures that residents using the 'Canary Resident Card' can travel without paying for bus passes or multitrip tickets, starting January 1 and running through December 31, 2025.

Funding and Budget

• Total funding for this measure: up to 78 million euros in 2025
• Source of funds: Spanish government
• Purpose: Support public transport as an essential service

Implementation Details

• Start date: January 1, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Eligibility: Residents using the 'Canary Resident Card'

Transparency and Data Sharing

The agreement also details strict transparency and data-sharing rules, requiring the Lanzarote council to keep detailed electronic records of users benefiting from the free travel, facilitating government oversight.

Goals and Broader Impacts

• Make daily mobility more affordable
• Encourage more sustainable transportation choices
• Support one of Spain’s most tourism-dependent regions
• Foster greener, more accessible public transit
• Pave the way for similar policies across other islands and mainland Spain
• Bolster efforts to create more inclusive and environmentally friendly urban spaces