Tenerife's public transport network has entered a new chapter with the introduction today (1st July) of the island's first-ever double-decker buses, as TITSA aims to increase capacity and ease congestion on some of its busiest routes.
The new vehicles will initially operate on services linking Santa Cruz with the south of the island, before a further 11 buses join the fleet next week.
More Seats on Tenerife's Busiest Routes
The first two double-decker buses have been introduced on Route 110 (Santa Cruz–Costa Adeje) and Route 112 (Santa Cruz–Los Cristianos).
From next week, another 11 vehicles will enter service, strengthening the southern corridor while also operating on Route 108 between Santa Cruz and Icod de los Vinos.
Each double-decker increases seating capacity from 59 to 85 passengers, a rise of around 44% per journey.
According to TITSA, the three routes carried around four million passengers in 2025. With the expanded fleet, annual capacity is expected to rise to six million passengers, adding around two million extra seats each year.
Built for Tenerife
Unlike standard double-decker buses, the new vehicles have been specially built to cope with Tenerife's mountainous terrain and road network.
They also introduce several safety technologies not previously used in the island's bus fleet. Among them is Alcolock, a system that prevents the engine from starting if the driver fails a mandatory breathalyser test before beginning their shift.
The buses also replace some traditional mirrors with MirrorCam camera systems, improving visibility, particularly at night and when turning.
Other safety features include:
Drivers Receive Specialist Training
Introducing the larger vehicles has required dedicated driver training. Of the 90 drivers assigned to operate the new buses, 60 have already completed the specialist programme.
TITSA Chief Executive Victoria Padilla said the launch follows months of planning involving the company's operations, maintenance, engineering and training teams to ensure the buses entered service smoothly from day one.
Part of a Wider Investment
The double-decker buses form part of a major modernisation programme led by the Tenerife Cabildo over the past three years.
During that period, 351 new buses have been added to the fleet through an investment of more than €125 million, reducing the average age of the fleet to around three years and cutting emissions by more than 7%.
The renewal programme will continue later this year with the arrival of 57 more buses, followed by 25 additional intercity vehicles in 2027, including another five double-deckers, bringing Tenerife's total fleet of double-decker buses to 18.
Island President Rosa Dávila and Mobility Councillor Eulalia García said the investment is designed to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and switch to public transport for commuting.
The strategy appears to be gaining momentum, with Titsa recording a record 87 million passenger journeys in 2025, the highest figure in the company's history.
