Velez-Malaga LRT to shut after just five years PDF Print E-mail
Monday, October 17, 2011

THE Spanish town of Velez-Malaga is to close its only light rail line after just five years of operation due to a shortage of funds. The 4.6km line from Parque Jurado Lorca to Paseos Larios in the coastal town of Torre del Mar cost €40m to construct, and was the first modern light rail line in Andalucia, opening in October 2006.

 

 
velez-malaga.jpgConstruction was suspended recently on a 1.3km extension to Velez Malaga Explanda de la Estacion, which was due to open next year.
 
The town council owes operator Travelsa €1.6m, and the mayor claims opening the extension would have increased operating costs by €2.6m per year, almost 9% of the municipal budget. Services are due to be replaced by buses on November 1.

 

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