On September 22, every interurban bus in Murcia will be free. The region is positioning itself within Spain’s move toward greener travel. Scrapping fares for the day is more than a nod to 'Día Mundial Sin Coches': the government wants people to see public transport as a real option instead of driving. Local media citing the regional government say the initiative covers all bus lines managed by the autonomous community.
Jorge García Montoro, who leads Infrastructure and Territorial Development, put it simply: “We are making public transport more affordable, accessible, and sustainable, with measures that impact price, quality, and efficiency.” The one-day fare break adds to the current 20 percent discount on multi-trip tickets, which already helps regular riders and encourages more people to leave their cars at home.
The plan goes beyond one-off deals. Seventeen fully electric buses from the new Movibus fleet are already running on basic routes, and the region plans to have 44 electric buses in total. Twelve connect Murcia with Alcantarilla, Beniel, and Santomera. Five more run between Murcia-Molina de Segura, Cabo de Palos-Veneziola, and La Unión-Cartagena. The investment totals 28.7 million euros, with help from Next Generation EU funds.
To support the switch to electric, the region has set up 44 charging points in Cartagena, Alcantarilla, and Molina de Segura. More than 3.8 million euros went into these upgrades. This summer, bus services in La Manga were reinforced and carried over 594,000 passengers. Four extra buses, two of them electric, were added to handle the crowds.
La Verdad has also reported that city public transport in Murcia may be free during this period, part of a broader policy to reduce car traffic and promote sustainable urban mobility.
Airport links have improved too. Since April, daily buses have connected Murcia and Cartagena with the International Airport, with schedules matched to flight times. The region spends over 480,000 euros a year on this service. Officials are also asking the public for input on new rules for traveling with pets, aiming to set clear standards for safety and animal welfare on public transport. The consultation is open until October 16.
Accessibility is another part of the plan. In 2025, subsidies helped 1,054 people with disabilities travel, up 16 percent from the year before. Funding for these grants rose from 55,000 to 70,000 euros. There’s also a special program to help guide dog users get taxis, the first of its kind in Spain.
Murcia’s approach stands out in Europe, where more cities are trying car-free days and greener fleets. As reported earlier, Belgium recently had over seventy towns go car-free in a single event. This reflects a broader shift in how cities think about getting around.
Murcia pairs quick incentives, like a day of free travel, with investment in electric buses and charging stations, alongside better access for everyone. The region is building a system where public transport is an easier choice for more people, more often, while adjusting services as needs change. The government is putting money into these changes as it moves toward cleaner, more inclusive travel in Spain.
