Today the Consell de Formentera will conclude a three-day stint at the Tourism Innovation Summit, which began in Seville 2 November. This trade show promotes innovation, technology and sustainability in the tourism sector. Rafael González, councillor of mobility, took part in a talk titled "Sustainability, an obligation" where he presented the project formentera.eco.

After the presentation at a round table moderated by PR agent Tommy Ferragut, Councillor González shared the stage with the tourism councillor for the City of Palma and the general manager of Garden Hotel, Jordi de las Moras, who also shined a light on their own visions of sustainability.

González unpacked the project to regulate vehicles brought and driven on the island, which turned four this summer, noting, "We have already begun to see the expected results". "Traffic has dropped 8.5% since 2017 and sustainable mobility is on the rise", he said, "cycling is up 150% and taxi and bus ridership have climbed 70% and 2%, respectively, marking a return to pre-pandemic figures".

This is the second year that Formentera has been invited to the expo to highlight its example as a sustainable island. Last year we talked about the Save Posidonia Project and other initiatives.

4 November 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Office of Mobility is pleased to announce that after taking effect on 1 June, the first period of regulated vehicle access and parking on the roads of Caló des Mort and Es Ram concluded on 30 September. Rafael González, councillor of mobility, hailing the success of a measure he said "staved off problems affecting the environment, traffic, parking and emergency vehicle access that affected the area in years past", announced plans to carry the initiative forward in summer 2023.

Rules on access and parking
From 1 June to 30 September, an individual was stationed nearby to inform motorists of rules against parking in these areas and redirect them to the nearby town and parking available there. The new rules were duly signposted, with wood and rope fencing placed around the perimeter of wooded areas to prevent parking. While signs will stay up all year to raise awareness and stop drivers from parking in this natural area, the attendant will take leave from tomorrow.

Motorists may momentarily stop to unload or pick up passengers or facilitate access for people with reduced mobility. Regulations were implemented following a request from residents in the area.

30 September 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Today the Formentera Office of Mobility seized the opportunity of World Car-Free Day and Sustainable Mobility Week to report on rebounding levels of public bus ridership in the first half of September 2022. During the first fortnight of the month, the island registered 17,399 riders, 0.5% more than the same period two years earlier, before the pandemic. The increase was 25% compared to data for the same two-week period in 2021, when local buses logged 13,924 riders.
 
According to Rafael González, councillor of mobility, after two years of dwindling ridership, 2022 has come with a renewed impulse and figures similar to those registered before the pandemic. "We've seen a full-on recovery for two reasons: formentera.eco rules concerning vehicles brought and driven on the island, which remained in effect, and discounts for users of public transport", said the councillor.

Including residents and minors, 4,231 people enjoyed free public transport in the first half of September 2022. During the same period in 2019, 200 visitors bought one-day or 20-trip passes. This year the number of visitors who bought such multi-ride passes was 1,308, an increase of 6.5%.

Riders in August
Ridership this August totalled 39,745, a 2% decrease on figures from three years ago. However, compared to 2021, when local buses logged 33,059 riders, ridership was up 20%.

Councillor González expects the number of bus riders to continue rising and encourages islanders and visitors alike "to use public transport by bus, a sustainable way to get around the island".

22 September 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

With European Sustainable Mobility Week under way, the Formentera Office of Mobility is pleased to announce measures in store this winter in public transport, cycling routes and road safety. "The aim is to move forward the Consell's commitment to foment the most sustainable modes of transport, like public transport and bicycles, and continue improving road safety", said Rafael González.

Public transport
The bidding process for the new public transport concession will begin in the final quarter of 2022. It is expected to move through legislation during the winter, with the new service coming on stream by next summer. "It will mean improvements in our bus service and adapt to current needs of residents and visitors", said the councillor.

Principal features of the new service:
• More lines: The number of lines will increase from five to nine, linking every town and major tourist area.
• Increased frequencies and smaller buses tailored to characteristics of the island and local network of roads.

Cycle paths
This winter, the cycling network will be enhanced with bike lanes and nature trails (rutes verdes).
• Bicycle lanes at every roundabout (similar to ironworks [ferreria] roundabout in Sant Ferran)
• Closure of Camí des Brolls to motorised traffic. Trail in Ses Salines Park will be designed for walking, cycling and horseback riding

Road safety
New road safety actions will be carried out on the road network, as established in the Sustainable Mobility Plan and in line with measures implemented in recent years.

Accordingly, speed limits and segments of road where overtaking is permitted will be revised and signage will be improved. Similar operations have already been completed in urban areas, in the industrial park and segments of the highway such as the portions stretching from La Savina to Es Pujols, La Savina to Sant Francesc and Sant Francesc to the Cala Saona turnoff.

Also this winter, in line with an agreement reached by plenary members this legislative term, approval of the Road Safety Plan will be legislated.

21 September 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera