Servicios Ferroviarios de Mallorca (SFM) has introduced one of its new trains to improve the Palma-UIB metro service during peak hours. This enhancement, starting this Monday, doubles the frequency during times of high demand, offering a more efficient and faster service for public transport users on the island.
Increased frequencies on the Palma-UIB metro
The metro line boost includes four new services during the busiest times, two heading towards the UIB and two returning to the Intermodal station. From this Monday, trains will run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours, from 7:15 am to 8:55 am, significantly improving the previous 20-minute frequency.
The new departures from the Intermodal station during peak hours will be at 7:15 am, 7:30 am, 7:40 am, 7:55 am, 8:15 am, 8:30 am, 8:40 am, and 8:55 am. From the UIB, trains will depart at 7:35 am, 7:50 am, 8:00 am, 8:15 am, 8:35 am, 8:50 am, 9:00 am, and 9:15 am, providing greater flexibility and convenience for students and workers using this line.
New train units to improve service
This service improvement is made possible by the launch of one of the five new electric units acquired by SFM, which have been arriving in Mallorca throughout the year. These new trains, manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), are more efficient, consume less energy, and offer greater capacity and accessibility. They also feature technological upgrades such as advanced CCTV systems and passenger information devices.
The Balearic Islands’ Minister for Housing, Territory, and Mobility, José Luis Mateo, highlighted that this initiative responds to the growing demand for public transport in Mallorca, especially on the UIB route. “The frequency boost is one of the service improvements we will implement progressively,” said the minister, who also acknowledged the efforts of SFM staff in making this enhancement possible, despite the historic shortage of personnel in key roles such as driving and traffic control.
Commitment to public transport
SFM has already received four of the five trains purchased, with an investment of over 54 million euros, 90% of which was financed by the European REACT-EU funds. These trains not only provide a more agile and efficient service, but also help reduce energy consumption and improve the user experience in terms of both comfort and safety. The increased metro frequency is one of many measures the Govern is implementing to enhance public transport in the Balearic Islands, promoting more sustainable and efficient mobility.
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