Torrevieja is preparing for a major upgrade to its public transport system. The city council has officially awarded the new urban bus service contract to the company Avanza Mobility Levante, launching a modernised network that will operate for the next 10 years.
The project aims to improve mobility across the municipality, connect key neighbourhoods and services, and provide a more sustainable alternative to private car use.
According to the Torrevieja City Council, the new model will significantly expand the current service, introducing more buses, more routes, and modern digital infrastructure across the city.
A €67 Million Transport Contract for the Next Decade
The contract awarded by the local governing board includes a municipal subsidy of approximately €67.8 million over the ten-year concession period. The winning bid also represents an 18% reduction from the original tender budget, which was set at €82.7 million.
This makes the project one of the most important public service contracts in Torrevieja, second only to major infrastructure services such as waste collection.
Despite the large investment, several improvements proposed by the company will be implemented without additional cost to the municipality, according to city officials.
12 Bus Lines Across the City
The new network will include 12 urban bus lines, designed to connect residential areas, beaches, commercial zones, schools and healthcare centres.
The system will operate with:
- 9 daytime routes
- 3 night routes
Operating hours
Daytime services
- 07:00 – 22:30 during the year
- Extended until midnight during summer and Easter
Night buses
- 00:00 – 04:00
- Running during weekends and peak tourist season
This expanded schedule is expected to improve accessibility for residents, workers and visitors alike.
A Modern Fleet: Hybrid and Electric Buses
The new service will operate with 32 buses, doubling the size of the current fleet.
The vehicles will include:
- 26 hybrid buses
- 6 fully electric buses
All buses will feature modern safety systems and digital technologies designed to improve route management and provide real-time information for passengers.
The move is part of Torrevieja’s strategy to reduce emissions and transition toward a more sustainable urban mobility system.
Digital Screens at Every Bus Stop
One of the most visible changes for passengers will be the installation of real-time information screens at every bus stop in the municipality.
The project includes:
- 166 new digital information screens
- Coverage for 100% of the city’s bus stops
These displays will provide real-time updates on arrival times, routes and service information.
The improvements are linked to a wider modernisation plan that also includes the renovation of over 180 bus stops across the city, improving accessibility and passenger facilities.
New Infrastructure for the Bus Network
The contract also includes the development of new operational infrastructure.
Planned facilities include:
- A new operations base
- A maintenance and washing tunnel for buses
- Dedicated infrastructure for electric vehicle charging
- A high-capacity fuel station with two underground tanks of approximately 40,000 litres each
These facilities will be built on a 7,550 m² site reserved for the public transport system.
Expected Ridership: Over 3.3 Million Passengers per Year
According to municipal studies, the new system could reach more than 3.37 million passengers annually, a significant increase compared to the current network.
The growth is expected thanks to:
- Expanded routes
- Higher frequency services
- Improved connections between neighbourhoods
- Better accessibility to key destinations
These include residential areas, schools, healthcare centres and commercial districts.
Ticket Prices and Free Travel Options
The new transport model will offer several ticket options to make public transport more accessible.
Standard fares include:
- Single ticket: €1.50
- Multi-trip passes
- Monthly passes
- Tourist travel cards
Torrevieja will also maintain its “Gold Pass” system, which allows free travel for residents over 65, pensioners and people with disabilities who are registered in the city.
A Step Toward Sustainable Mobility
Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, described the project as a key step toward a modern and efficient transport system adapted to the needs of a growing city.
The new model aims to:
- Improve mobility between neighbourhoods
- Reduce reliance on private vehicles
- Introduce cleaner transport technologies
- Provide better service for residents and tourists
If the projections are accurate, the new urban bus network could become one of the most important mobility improvements in Torrevieja in recent years.
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