A modern low-floor tram has been operating in the southern Spanish city of Murcia since 2007, initially on a short section, but since 2011 on a total of 18 km of track through the northern districts of the city. From the very beginning, there were plans to run the tram through the old city centre to the El Carmen main railway station. However, political disputes have prevented its realisation to date. The system could significantly increase its usefulness in this way, because despite being highly valued by the population, the trams are used comparatively little, with a total of 7.35 million passengers last year. The direct connection of the tramway to and from the city centre can make a decisive contribution to greater utilisation.
It seems that progress could finally be made. Now that the route of the 2.2 km extension with five new stops from Plaza Circular to El Carmen station has been finalised, the central government in Madrid wants to grant a subsidy of EUR 32 million to enable the project to be implemented promptly. According to updated planning, the total estimated costs are EUR 92 million. The regional government is currently reviewing the funding of 1/3 of the total costs of the project, the rest must be provided by the municipality.
Tranvía de Murcia’s vehicle fleet needs to be expanded for the extension, as 9 of the existing 11 Alstom Citadis 302, built in 2006-7 (purchased from Madrid second-hand but as new without being used) are currently in scheduled daily service.
