TRAM d'Alacant reports rising ridership and €6.8M tech upgrade

TRAM d'Alacant reported a significant increase in ridership for August, transporting 1,693,702 users across its tram and train networks. This figure represents a 6.21% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. The busiest day of the month was Saturday, August 8, which saw 66,205 passengers. Line 2, connecting Luceros with San Vicente del Raspeig, was the most utilized route with 561,734 movements.

In conjunction with these ridership trends, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) is launching a €6.8 million modernization program to upgrade the network's ticketing and access systems. The investment aims to replace outdated hardware and software, particularly in the Marina Alta region, including areas such as Calpe, Teulada, Benissa, and Gata de Gorgos.

Key technological upgrades include the introduction of contactless bank card payments and the ability to use QR codes via mobile phones or paper. These changes are designed to simplify travel for both commuters and tourists by providing more flexible validation methods at stations and stops.