A heated debate has erupted in Valencia over the future of urban transport. Local authorities have decided not to introduce a low-emission zone, which automatically deprives the city of annual government subsidies for public transport development. This decision has already sparked a wave of criticism from the opposition and concern among residents.
Starting Monday, the price of a 10-trip municipal transport pass has once again increased to €8.5. However, the city administration has promised to offset the lost revenue from its own funds to prevent fare hikes for passengers. Valencia Mayor María José Catalá announced that an additional €14 million from the city budget will be allocated for this purpose. Existing discounts remain in place: free travel for children, a 50% discount for young people, and a 40% discount for other categories.
Political discord
The issue of implementing a low-emission zone has become a major sticking point among parties in the city government. Partido Popular (PP) proposed the minimum version of the zone to satisfy its coalition partners from Vox. However, Vox representatives rejected even this compromise, despite being part of the city administration. Opposition groups Compromís and PSPV have pushed for stricter environmental measures and further changes to city infrastructure, including the development of green corridors and restricting traffic on central streets.
Compromís deputy Giuseppe Grezzi expressed regret over the loss of 14 million euros that the city’s public transport used to receive annually from the state budget. According to him, this will cause a serious deficit in the finances of EMT, the municipal transport company. He also warned that residents may have to make up for these losses in the future, either through higher ticket prices or increased taxes and fees.
Opposition reaction
The Socialists also sharply criticized the city council’s actions. Their representative, Borja Sanjuan, called the refusal of the low-emission zone a sign of irresponsibility that will result in extra financial burden for Valencia’s residents. He noted that the city is now the only major municipality in the country not receiving state support for the development of public transport. To cover the resulting deficit, he said the city hall will have to find 14 million euros from its own funds.
At the same time, the opposition points out that actual budget losses could be significantly higher than the city administration claims. By their estimates, it could amount to tens of millions of euros, which will ultimately fall on taxpayers’ shoulders.
State initiatives
While debate continues in Valencia over the future of urban transport, new passenger support measures have been introduced at the national level. The Council of Ministers has approved an extension of existing transport subsidies and the launch of a unified €60 travel pass, valid for suburban and intercity trains as well as long-distance buses. Young people will receive an additional discount, allowing them to purchase the pass for €30. These measures will be in effect for the next six months, with the possibility of further extension.
Final approval of the new regulations must be passed by the Congress of Deputies within a month, requiring support from the majority of parliamentary factions. The discussions are expected to be lively, given the importance of the issue to millions of residents across the country.
