OPINION Compromís Dénia
Yes, once again, we see the need to express our deep disagreement with the alternatives to the Tren de la Costa, such as the recent proposal of the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, to implement a tram to link the cities of Dénia and Gandia .
We now find these statements a step back towards our aspirations for a more sustainable and connected future. As we have already said on countless occasions, also in the campaign when both Puig and Mazón defended the alternative to the train, we consider that the suggestion of a train-tram is insufficient. We think that giving up on the train is failing and surrendering to those who have dedicated time and effort to defending the railway system that we deserve, as well as giving rise to the central government to eliminate it from its roadmap completely.
Why sacrifice the long-term vision of a project like the Gandia-Dénia Train in favor of a more limited and less efficient solution? Shouldn't we all continue to prioritize investments that promote comprehensive and sustainable development in our region, instead of opting for solutions that are obsolete in the near future?
Implementing a tram does not adequately address the connectivity and efficiency issues we face. Rather, it is a solution that seems to be more focused on the tourism aspect than on providing a true response to the mobility demands of the local population. Think of a young student who must go to Valencia to study... Will this tram be his means of transportation, if it takes double (or triple) as long as other means?
The recovery of a real train seems to be increasingly distant, and these statements by the minister only aggravate our concern on the subject. While we understand the importance of exploring various options, we consider it essential not to lose sight of the main objective: to provide a profitable, efficient and effective means of public transportation for our citizens.
In summary, a tram may have its value in certain circumstances, but in the context of the connection between Dénia and Gandia, it is not the solution we need nor the one we deserve. And from Compromís we will continue raising our voices to defend it. We cannot remain silent when we see that we are deviating from the rails of progress towards mediocre solutions. It is necessary to continue moving forward and betting on modern mobility that is respectful of our regions.
This current tram is still a tourist train, very beautiful, but without any practical interest. It is ideal for curious tourists and idle retirees. Who could have gotten rich with this tram?
I believe that we should aspire to have a fully-fledged train. For the entire region. The need is increasing and that minister's proposal is a botch.
Is the Minister's proposal a bungle or the Minister?
Looking at the use of trams in other European cities, they run far more frequently, and have more stops.
For Dénia the tram line runs along the edge of Dénia, going from the main station, or terminus, along the edge, Bosc de Dénia, Pedrera-Vessanes, La Xara, Gara…. etc
But, for the rest of Dénia there are no trams.
If tunnels are built, as in the area between Gara and Altea, why not build a tunnel through Montgo, with a tram to Xàbia /Jávea?
The trouble is, all the towns have developed through tourism greatly in the past decades, that there is no longer room for a train / tram line from Dénia to Gandia. The old line is part of a road or cycle system (Via Verde), the latter used greatly by cyclists and pedestrians alike, and the thought of reverting this eco-friendly natural use of the old line would be horrific.
And, as stated before, that the housing development has greatly increased, how to build a line on the land to Gandia is virtually impossible. The cost of an underground line, that is not below sea level, which would be dangerous because of flooding, is too much for Dénia and Gandia…
The alternative would be to build the line above the roads, as in Wuppertal in Germany.
If the line had been kept open from Gandia, there would be no problem today, but instead of thinking what is good today is good for tomorrow, future plans need to use the future techniques. Even a new line from Dénia main station in the other direction, serving the port of Dénia, the bus station, Nova Dénia – Almadrava, Deveses, El Poblets, El Verger, Nova Oliva, Oliva town, L'Alqueria de la Contessa, Bellreguard … Etc…. The area for building such a line, plus railway/tram stations with parking and toilet facilities is no longer available…..
Very good Will, you don't want me to translate the pamphlet you made for you.
Use the translator and don't be lazy
Without leaving behind the odyssey that people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs live, we are prisoners in this city if you cannot get to Gandia or Alicante on your own… it is false that you can get on Alsa whenever you want in your chair, it is not a service always available…we also have rights and we are supposed to be an inclusive country….
There are many interests at stake, and of all of them the ideological one is the most important.
The governments do not fulfill the promises that were made since the 70s with the "temporary" suppression of the Denia-Carcaixent line, which they have forgotten.
There must be other interests, other than citizen well-being, that prevent the railway line that we know as THE COAST TRAIN from being built once and for all. (The only viable and future solution).
And since when do politicians work for citizen well-being? Now that would be news!
It is clear that the TRAM does not work, the experience of the Denia – Alicante one says it all. 3 hours to cover a route of just 90 km is not acceptable today. Thus, only 1,5% of the moving population uses it. And that was a decision and work supported and applauded by Compromis at the time as electoral demagoguery.
Will a train today be the solution? Will it cause the same environmental impact as the AP-7 at the time? Will we demonstrate against the disappearance of more fields and marshes that are now protected? Will there be more evictions and expropriations? ….
Maybe our minister is right.
Wouldn't it be better to correctly exploit the existing infrastructure with good, regular and economical land transportation that today allows that student to reach Valencia in just 1 hour without stops or transfers? And what will the inhabitants of Calpe, Xabia, Benissa continue to do... etc?
Or does it make no difference to us as long as we have an electoral and electoral train in Denia that has not existed for 50 years (like so many others) and nothing has happened?
The Minister "champion" of train breakdowns, making recommendations that the best thing for the environment is to give a bicycle to travel around Denia-Gandia-Denia.
He and given his position will continue with his car with driver or Falcón
Hello good. In your three messages you make more reference to politics, ministers, falcón, etc. Let's please try to stick to the solution to the problem of transportation, trains, etc. Because it has already been shown that when the environment is put in political mode, instead of in "solution to the problem, decalogue we are talking about" mode, things get even more complicated. AND THIS PROBLEM STILL UNSOLVED. And, if not, I refer to Congress. These debates are ordinariness personified. And our youth are seeing it daily, and possibly seeing it as an “adequate way of communication.” I leave it there.