After several years of reduced prices in public transport thanks to measures such as free travel on Cercanías and discounts on regional multi-journey passes, the Congress has rejected this Wednesday the omnibus decree of the central government that extended these measures.
This included not only aid to public transport, but also the increase of the SMI, the increase of pensions and aid to sectors affected by the DANA of Valencia (see here the full decree).
The vote, determined by the rejection of PP, Vox and Junts with 177 against and 171 in favor, leaves the decree without effect.
What will happen from now on in Valencian public transport?
This rejection of the law implies that, from this Thursday, the direct subsidies for Cercanías and Media Distancia managed by Renfe, which depends on the State, will decay, since the decree extended them from December 31, 2024. This implies that no more free passes for Cercanías or transport on state bus lines will be issued.
Renfe has announced that the tickets already issued will remain valid until April 2025, as long as they were purchased before this Wednesday.
In Valencia, the Generalitat manages the fares for metro, regional buses and streetcars. Valencia City Council manages EMT buses.
Although these bonuses are partially financed with state funds, the Generalitat approved a decree of its own that ensured the reduced fares at least until January 31, 2025, and free fares for young people in the same terms.
What will the Generalitat Valenciana do next?
The Consell had expressed its intention to extend the subsidies until June 2025, in line with the initial forecasts of the central government.
Now, without state funding, it will have to assume the full cost with a new autonomous decree when the current one lapses, not extend the rule or wait for a new agreement with the central government to co-finance the measure.
This Thursday, January 23, the Councilor for Mobility Martínez Mus confirmed that the Generalitat will finance the measure with 50% discounts until June of this year, even if the central executive finally contributes 30% of the funds.
These measures are not linked to others announced by the regional government, such as free transport during 2025 for those affected by the dana.
For its part, the Valencia City Council has also guaranteed that it will maintain its 20% contribution to the reduction in the price of the EMT bus transport pass. The fares of the exclusive EMT bus passes reflect from this Friday an increase of 30% after the repeal of state aid.
What happens to tickets already purchased?
Users who purchased Cercanías season tickets before the rejection of the decree will be able to continue using them with the subsidized conditions during their period of validity, as confirmed by the Ministry of Transport to El País.