The PSOE in the Vega Baja region has publicly condemned the state of intercity public transport across the area following legal setbacks to temporary contracts. The protest follows the annulment of the emergency direct contract for the Torrevieja-Alicante corridor, which had been awarded for 7.62 million euro. Additionally, an appeal has been lodged with the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community against a second contract covering the Orihuela-Elche corridor alongside remaining local municipalities.
Socialist representatives accuse the Consell of relying on a poorly planned, temporary solution for an essential service. The Vega Baja region comprises 27 municipalities and over 400,000 residents who depend on the network to travel to hospitals, universities, workplaces, and airports.
Speaking at a press conference in Guardamar del Segura, the party pointed out that the public transport service in the area had been operating on an expired framework for more than ten years. They argued that the Generalitat had sufficient time to prepare a definitive tender process. Instead, the regional government opted for emergency contracts that are now facing challenges from both the courts and affected local councils.
Ana Belén Juárez, a local councillor in Los Montesinos and regional MP, described public transport as a crucial element for connecting the region. She criticized the Valencian Government for failing to deliver a system tailored to local needs, noting that the previous Botànic administration had laid the groundwork for a fully agreed project alongside councils and social groups. According to Juárez, the current Consell failed to build upon this work over the three years it had to resolve the situation.
Addressing the practical impact on residents, Joaquín Hernández, Mayor of Dolores and regional secretary for the PSPV-PSOE, cited daily delays. He highlighted students from Dolores travelling to Elche who regularly arrive at their destination after classes have already started, with similar transport issues affecting journeys towards Orihuela and Alicante.
The 7.62 million euro emergency contract for the Torrevieja-Alicante route was overturned following an appeal by a transport sector association. Services provided by operator Avanza—which has faced ongoing complaints regarding overcrowding, ticket overselling during peak hours, and subsequent passenger delays—will temporarily revert to the previous contract framework.
Hernández explained that local councils were forced to challenge the contracts not only over the misuse of emergency procedures, but because the planned schedules failed to reflect local demands. The PSOE maintains that a long-term, ten-year contract draft prepared in 2024 should have been launched instead of temporary fixes, accusing political opponents of prioritizing publicity photos over a functioning bus network.
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