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Municipalities push for Bizkaibus to implement night services

The Provincial Council has received over 300 objections to its plan for reorganizing the bus network.

Empty bus interior at night, with red and blue emergency lights reflecting on the windows.
IA

Empty bus interior at night, with red and blue emergency lights reflecting on the windows.

Municipalities in Bizkaia are demanding the implementation of night services on Bizkaibus, contributing to over 300 objections filed for the reorganization of the provincial bus network.

The possibility of Bizkaibus operating regular night services for the first time has been left open following statements by the Deputy for Transport, Sonia Pérez, on April 30th at the Juntas Generales. Pérez indicated that the implementation would depend on municipal interest and political consensus.
More than twenty local councils and associations have formally requested the Bizkaia Provincial Council to extend the last services or create night routes. These initiatives aim to facilitate access to work for certain employee groups, particularly on weekends, to alleviate isolation in some areas, promote leisure activities, and discourage car use.
These demands are part of the over 300 objections submitted to the Diputación regarding the Bizkaibus redesign project, slated for implementation in 2028. Among those highlighting the need for night buses are the Mancomunidad of Las Encartaciones, municipalities in Duranguesado and the Arratia Valley, as well as the town councils of Bermeo, Mundaka, Mungia, Bakio, Abanto Zierbena, Muskiz, and political parties like EH Bildu, PP, and Podemos, along with the LAB union.
The Bizkaibus model revision does not initially include night service expansions, only punctual adjustments. However, Deputy Pérez has kept the door open, as in 2023 the Juntas Generales urged the provincial government to study the launch of night routes to foster "equal opportunities and social cohesion," particularly addressing the needs of younger travelers.
A study by the Provincial Department of Transport considered two options: extending all routes until midnight weekly, requiring an annual investment of 17 million euros; or creating eight 'gautxori' (night) lines to connect with metro or train stations and regions. These lines would primarily serve the Left Bank, Mining Zone, and Las Encartaciones, Nervión-Ibaizabal, Arratia, Duranguesado, Urdaibai, and Lea Artibai, costing approximately 3 million per night of the week, with an initial proposal for Fridays and Saturdays only. They are estimated to be used by around 150,000 travelers under 29 annually.
Beyond economic considerations, the night expansion plans face challenges related to incivility. Last September, Deputy Sonia Pérez mentioned the possibility of canceling exceptional night services due to the "uncontrolled and disrespectful behavior" experienced by drivers, particularly on these routes, although they are currently being maintained.

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