Transport firms threaten boycott

Transport companies are threatening to boycott the new bus station in Calle Eusebio Estada, just behind the Plaza España railway station. The Balearic ministry of public works and transport has completed the first stage of the bus station, but Rafael Llompart, spokesman for the transport companies which provide the services to outlying towns and villages, says that it lacks basic amenities. There is no ticket office, left luggage department or even awnings for protection against the heat or rain. But the worst defect of all, says Llompart, is that it is too small. The bus station will have a capacity for 28 vehicles, when the fleet is between 35 and 40. “And when they were building the bus station, they should have taken into account the extra buses which are put on in summer, and in winter, when it rains,” Llompart said. As the new bus station will not be big enough, the Balearic government and the Palma city council agreed to provide an area where buses not in service could be parked. This site has still not been chosen and the bus companies are not prepared to have drivers burn up diesel oil because there is no room for them in the bus station. Llompart went on to say “we have written to the transport department saying that we are not prepared to move there until the bus station is properly equipped. If it is necessary to wait longer, then we will wait, to benefit users.” The other problem is access. Calle Eusebio Estada is a one-way street and so driving in and out will be complicated. The situation is made even more difficult because of the Soller train, as the tracks run along Calle Eusebio Estada.