The Government approved a package of measures to reduce inflation that includes a discount on transport passes. This is one of the most important measures in the new package. After the sectoral meeting with regional councilors, Raquel Sanchez reported that the Executive promised to subsidize 50% (Renfe), and 30% (metro- and buses) of the cost of state transport.
Galicia said that the amount was “insufficient”, and that they would not be able help citizens in the required extent with the transfer.
These criticisms were met with the minister who reminded them that the communities have the transportation competences so it was in their hands to lower the cost of the transport pass. The Executive wants to transfer the 200 million to the communities to subsidize 30% of fertilizers. Sanchez confirmed that they can reduce the cost by their own resources up to 50%, or more, if they wish.
Transport’s head explained that the measure will be in effect on September 1, which coincides with most workers and students returning from holidays. There is a strict but sufficient deadline to get it started. The ministry shared the criteria for this bonus with communities. They want it to be simple and flexible because there is not enough time to adjust the fertilizer reduction mechanisms.
Transportes reported that the ministry’s implementation methodology focuses on “that it doesn’t involve any kind of management for citizens and that they can easily be applied as soon as possible”, in order to put the citizen “at the center” and coordinate.
The ministry also discussed with regional councilors the transfer in aid of 110 million Euros so that communities can make the appropriate calls to increase the digitization of small- and medium-sized transport companies.
Sanchez stated that distribution criteria will be determined based on the region’s population. With a total of 19.6 million euros, Andalusia is the region that will receive the largest amount of funds to digitize SMEs in transport. Close behind is Catalonia with 18 million euro and Madrid which will receive 15 millions euros.
