Transport operator Avanza has launched its new 115 million euro regional bus service linking Torrevieja and Alicante, utilising a fleet that includes 18 second-hand buses brought in from outside the region.
The multi-million euro contract, awarded by the regional administration, covers major intercity transit across the area. However, passengers boarding the service in Torrevieja have noted that a significant portion of the active fleet consists of pre-owned vehicles transferred from fleets previously operating in Madrid, Benidorm, and the Basque Country, specifically former Bizkaibus units.
The deployment of these older vehicles has drawn attention locally, with passengers pointing out remnants from their previous service areas, including display signage and stop notifications that still feature Basque text.
The service rollout follows ongoing administrative procedures surrounding the public transport concession. Despite the high overall valuation of the long-term contract, the inclusion of second hand rolling stock from Madrid, Benidorm, and the Basque region forms a key operational component of the initial service launch in Torrevieja.
