The Spanish Government has officially announced the extension of free public transport in the Balearic Islands – but after that its popular free buses will be scrapped.

In 2024, there has been free travel on trains, buses and the metro for residents and travelers alike. 

From July 2025 onward, however, the Spanish Government plans to revise its subsidy strategy. The goal is to transition from universal funding to a more targeted approach, focusing on specific passenger demographics including pensioners and students.

What’s more, Palma Town Hall has revealed that travelling by bus will no longer be free in Majorca’s capital from January 1 2025, an initiative which has been a much-welcomed initaitive since its introduction in 2023, instead returning to conditions last seen in 2022.

The only exceptions apply to those groups who were eligible before the universal system was introduced – namely pensioners and schoolchildren. 

Approval of this agreement is expected at the cabinet meeting on Christmas Eve. 

This extension news will provide temporary relief for residents who depend on affordable public transportation in the region, especially amid rising living costs. 

For tourists, it enhances the region’s appeal as a sustainable travel destination, aligning with global trends favouring eco-friendly tourism options. 

The Balearic transport minister, José Luis Mateo, sent a letter to the Spanish transport minister, Óscar Puente, on December 18 calling for the continuation of free transport next year. 

However, Mateo described it as unacceptable that he only found out about the extension to June from the media. His frustration highlights a recurring concern about communication and funding adequacy between the regional and national governments.

The free public transport initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage sustainable and affordable travel within the Balearic Islands. By reducing reliance on private vehicles, the programme aims to minimise environmental impacts, alleviate traffic congestion and enhance accessibility for residents and tourists.

However, the gradual reduction of universal subsidies planned for mid-2025 raises questions about the long-term viability of this policy.

In Mateo’s letter to Puente, he also asked for an increase in the funding for this – from 43 million to 56 million euros (£46 million).

The current subsidy is insufficient and so the regional government is having to bear part of the cost.

The regional government calculates that this will have cost 54.1 million euros (£44.8 million) to finance public transport in 2024. 

This figure covers TIB buses as well as the railway and the metro in Majorca, buses on the other islands and Palma’s (Majorca’s capital) EMT buses. 

Palma has also argued that the funding is insufficient and that it takes far too long to be paid.