What changes for passengers?

The waiting times and cancellations are being observed on lines 1 and 2, according to union sources. These lines connect the Santa Cruz de Tenerife metropolitan area with San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

At peak times, according to employees, only eight trams are in service. Normally 14 vehicles run, which is around 43 percent fewer.

For commuters, expats and visitors this means longer and less reliable journeys. No new fare or additional charge is mentioned in the available reports.

Anyone who depends on the tram should allow more time. No officially announced full suspension of the service exists.

Where does the staff shortage come from?

According to employees, around 15 drivers are missing. Only 7 of 13 operations controllers are available for duty, meaning 6 people are absent, or around 46 percent of the stated posts.

There are also bottlenecks among maintenance and administrative staff. Employees report that preventive maintenance is delayed and outstanding work is processed more slowly as a result.

The CCOO trade union links the situation to repeated service cancellations between May and October 2026. It also cites sickness-related absences, overwork and technical problems with air conditioning, signalling systems and points.

One employee said, according to Tenerife Weekly: "Without resources, we're dead."

What measures has Metrotenerife approved?

Metrotenerife's board of directors has approved a package of measures, according to El Día. It includes a public recruitment drive, known in Spanish as Oferta Pública de Empleo, for 40 posts.

The new posts cover operations, traffic control, maintenance and administration. A further six driver posts are also to be made permanent.

The staffing budget for 2027 provides for an additional 15 posts, according to El Día. Metrotenerife has sent the Cabildo de Tenerife, the island government, the basis for the selection procedures.

These cover operations, control and maintenance as well as reserve lists for temporary appointments. No specific publication dates for the recruitment drive are given.

What remains open?

Application deadlines and appointment dates are not mentioned in the available reports. No binding return to normal frequencies has been published either.

According to Atlántico Hoy, it remains open whether the Cabildo or company management will implement the direct intervention demanded by CCOO. The union is also calling for a reorganisation of the company's management.

Passengers should expect longer waiting times until further notice. The Tenerife tram belongs to the transport system of the Cabildo de Tenerife.

What does this mean for visitors in the south?

Most holidaymakers stay in the south of the island and are barely affected by the tram cancellations. Lines 1 and 2 run exclusively in the greater Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna area.

Anyone planning a trip to the north and wanting to use the tram there should allow more time. Buses, known locally as guaguas, are available as an alternative.

The tram is not relevant for the journey from Tenerife South Airport to the capital. The airport lies outside the tram network.