The remaining 31 corridors of the new long‑distance bus map were announced on 15 June, completing a 34‑corridor network serving more than 30 million passengers annually.
The ministry forecasts a drop in average ticket prices to 0.06715 euros per passenger‑kilometre and will spend €8.6 million a year propping up 10 weaker routes.
The competition authority argues the concession model shuts out smaller operators and should be liberalised for routes exceeding 100 km where competition is viable.
The new map keeps 2,294 stops across 1,682 municipalities untouched while adding direct services between big cities.
Transportes announced on 15 June that the remaining 31 corridors of the new state bus network will be released for public information. Together with three already approved links (Castro Urdiales–Bilbao, Madrid–Valencia, and Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona), the full map covers 34 corridors, 600 routes, 2,294 stops, and 1,682 municipalities, spanning 190,424 kilometres. Ministry estimates put annual passenger numbers above 30 million.
A headline change is a projected 22% drop in average fares, translating to a standard rate of 0.06715 euros per passenger‑kilometre. Ten corridors with weaker demand will receive yearly state support of €8.6 million to keep services running. Routes will retain every current stop and frequency while adding direct connections between the largest cities to cut journey times.
“The public bus system is what best knits our country together, because it reaches every corner.”
The concession model, in which a single operator holds an exclusive licence for each corridor, is facing strong pushback. The CNMC has argued that public‑service obligations should be reserved for routes the market cannot serve profitably and that the design of the tenders, large contract lots, vehicle requirements, and experience criteria, edges out smaller rivals. Sector sources told La Razón the terms are “condemned to be judicialised.”
“This map respects and keeps all current stops and frequencies and adds direct routes between the biggest cities to make travel faster.”
The anteproyectos will appear shortly in the BOE, triggering a 30‑working‑day consultation. Following review of submissions, the definitive plan goes to the Council of Ministers for approval. The government’s target is to have the entire map sanctioned before the end of 2026.
Pollar is free and carries no ads in the text. Its members keep it going.
Support PollarTransport · Madrid
The Transport Ministry launched public consultation on 31 long-distance bus corridors, promising a 22% average fare reduction, maintaining all existing stops, and adding direct services between major cities despite objections from the competition watchdog.
AI text based on reports by La Razón, eldiario.es, 20 minutos and other publishers. Published .