Torrelavega introduces first electric bus as fleet renewal begins

The Spanish city of Torrelavega has introduced its first fully electric bus, carrying the “Zero Emissions” label. The vehicle will operate on Line 1, linking the North Station in Sierrapando with the Sierrallana Regional Hospital, and marks the start of a wider fleet renewal. Over the coming months, 24 new buses will be added: 12 electric and 12 hybrid.

According to the City Council, six hybrid buses will enter service before the end of 2025, with the remaining six following in early 2026. Together with the electric vehicles, they will form the backbone of the new fleet. The renewal is part of a ten-year public transport contract, awarded in March 2025 to Transportes Terrestres Cántabros and Transportes Accesibles Peninsulares, valued at €22.9 million – the largest service contract of its kind ever granted by the city.

The contract also introduces broader service improvements. Line 2 will be extended to serve the Tanos-Viérnoles industrial estate, while a new on-demand transport system will cover low-density neighbourhoods. Modern bus shelters, clearer signage and digital panels will be installed across the network. Inside vehicles, passengers will benefit from multimedia screens, enhanced security systems and passenger-counting equipment to support better planning.

Payment methods are being modernised. Alongside cash, passengers will soon be able to pay via mobile apps, QR codes and bank cards. The system will integrate with both the Cantabria Interoperable Card and the Torrelavega Citizen Card, with 19 new top-up points across the city.

To promote the changes, the City Council is offering free travel on all Torrebus lines during the Virgen Grande fiestas (8–18 August). The aim is to encourage more residents to try the service and experience the new fleet. Passenger numbers are already rising, with 68,000 trips recorded in July 2025 – up 8,000 compared with the same month in 2024.

Mayor Javier López Estrada described the launch as “a major step in our commitment to sustainable mobility and a modern, efficient public transport system.” Councillor for Mobility Jezabel Tazón added that the new vehicle is “the first visible outcome of the new contract” and proof of the city’s determination to make transport more reliable and environmentally friendly.

Author: Sara Mecatti

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.