This upward trend, already observed in previous years, has accelerated notably. The sector anticipates surpassing 100 million passengers by 2026, a figure that would mark a new historical record for the service. In 2025, 90 million users were already reached.
“"Companies are working to ensure no passenger is left at the stops."
Several factors contribute to this growth, including rising housing costs in major cities, increased private vehicle expenses, and the implementation of low-emission zones. Additionally, an increase in services and frequencies, coupled with a tariff policy agreed upon with the administration, has encouraged the use of public road transport.
Historical data shows consistent evolution: from 34 million passengers in 2001 to over 84 million in 2019. After the pandemic, demand has recovered strongly, with an anticipated additional increase of between 10% and 15% for the coming year.
Despite its success, the sector faces challenges in immediately absorbing all demand. The acquisition of new vehicles, especially low-emission models, can take between six months and two years. To mitigate this situation, companies have reinforced their staff with over 200 new hires this year and expect to create more than 1,500 new jobs in the coming years.
“"The bus plays an essential role within the mobility system, especially when the train fails."
Experts emphasize the 'capillary' nature of buses, which allows them to reach all parts of the territory, complementing the deficiencies of the railway service. However, the sector calls for infrastructure improvements, such as exclusive bus lanes and new stations, to ensure efficient service amidst road congestion.
