Masca access restrictions boost bus use, spark resident protests

Since July 30, the Cabildo de Tenerife has limited private and rental vehicle access to the village of Masca on the TF‑436 road to improve safety during fire‑risk alerts. In the first four days, public‑transport ridership on Titsa line 355 rose from 1,989 to 5,558 passengers, nearly tripling usage. The measure, which remains in force between 09:00 and 16:00 while risk conditions persist, allows residents, workers, emergency services and authorized vehicles, but blocks tourist‑recreational traffic.

Local residents have protested the closures, warning that each shutdown harms restaurants, shops and tourism‑related jobs. In a statement they said, "Cerrar el pueblo no es la solución" and called for investment in lighting, road maintenance and waste‑water facilities instead of repeated closures. Councillors Blanca Pérez and Eulalia García highlighted that the restrictions aim to prevent traffic congestion that could impede emergency response, noting that public transport is the most effective alternative for sustainable access.