Recently, Raquel Sanchez, Minister of Transportation, indicated that public transportation discounts could be extended until 2023.
It does not rule out an extension of the measure, which will initially run until December 31 of this year.
The minister does not clearly indicate that if she must extend the measure for a longer period of time, it will be done. For now we have to wait until the end of this year.
And the measure has been very well received, as in the last few days more than 200,000 discount travel cards have been issued, of which 170,000 are for Rodalies.
This performance indicates an increase in demand of between 8 and 9%.
Public transportation rebate data
The ticket with the highest demand during the first day of sales was the T-usual, which accounted for almost 60% of sales. This multiplied the normal rate of acquisitions by almost eight times, to reach 33,019 season tickets sold.
The second most sold ticket was the T-casual with 12,820 season tickets, which represents 1.3 times more sales when compared to the sales of an ordinary day.
A total of 2,428 season tickets were sold for the T-joven, which is almost 11 times more than usual.
Sales of single-parent or large family certificates also increased by almost seven times (1,443 sold).
Where have citizens shopped?
Most of them have purchased the bonds at the machines. A total of 92.1% of the tickets were sold on the first day at the vending machines, reaching a total of 54,253.
As for sales through the web and App, sales of 7.2% of the titles were recorded, reaching a total of 4,225.
While these discounted tickets will be valid until January 15, 2023, junior memberships purchased in 2022 and not used until that date may be exchanged for current ones.
In this case, only the remaining difference must be paid. Therefore, there is no justification for saving titles for the following year; it is better to use them before this date.
Transportation tickets can still be purchased through the usual channels.
In the metro, bus, streetcar or Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, season tickets must be purchased at the self-sale machines at the stations. It is best to buy them in advance because of the queues that may occur.
The reduction in transport prices was promoted and approved by the Spanish Government between September 1 and December 31, 2022.
The ministerial order indicates that Renfe’s Rodalies and medium distance passes will be free of charge for people who make 16 trips or more.
Citizens continue to hope that the measure can be extended for next year. Nothing is confirmed yet, only probability.