Transport launches a campaign to promote the use of public transport as the backbone of daily mobility

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, together with the Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, at the presentation of the new campaign to promote the use of public transport (Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo)

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has launched the advertising campaign to promote the use of public transport as the backbone of the new daily mobility to help reduce pollutant emissions, gain space for pedestrians and bicycles, and create friendlier and more cohesive cities. The campaign was presented today by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente.

The initiative seeks to promote the use of trains and buses to the detriment of private cars due to their many advantages for citizens, including less time spent on the journey, economic savings, safety, accessibility and reduced emissions. It also allows users to forget about traffic jams and spend their time reading, accessing information or chatting.

The message is to be conveyed through a rap-style video clip which, in an informal tone and with a touch of humour, lists the advantages of using public transport. It is a highly choral music video, making it appealing to all types of users.

The campaign, which will be broadcast on television, radio and social networks, and in the press, under the slogan "Public transport, get it?", is further proof of the strong commitment of the ministry and the government to public transport as the backbone of the new mobility. In this regard, it contributes to promoting sustainable, healthy and safe mobility, giving more space to pedestrians and bicycles.

Historic boost to public transport

The government is making a historic effort to make public transport more efficient and accessible and to bring about a change in mobility culture. To this effect, in 2023 and 2024, around €4 billion (some €2 billion per year) has been allocated to encouraging citizens to opt for this type of mobility. These subsidies have been significant and have had a huge impact on citizens:

• Free Renfe commuter and medium-distance journeys, as well as intercity bus line journeys, granted by the Ministry of Transport.
• Subsidies for a large part of the discount of at least 50% on multi-journey tickets for urban and metropolitan public transport.
• Free regional and local public transport services in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
• Verano Joven, whereby young people aged between 18 and 30 years have been able to travel on public transport in Spain and Europe with discounts of up to 90%.
• Maintenance of the traditional aid to the Transport Consortia of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, and aid for cities with an urban public transport system.

On this point, and according to data published by the INE, a notable 423 million urban and interurban public transport journeys were recorded in July 2024, 8% more than in the same month last year.

More trips by public transport means fewer emissions, fewer traffic accidents, greater energy efficiency and less use of public space for private vehicles in favour of citizenship and active mobility.

Non official translation