Walkers and cyclists could eventually have a safer and more comfortable route along Torrevieja’s 6.7-kilometre Via Verde under plans now moving into the design stage.

Torrevieja Town Hall has awarded a €77,129 contract to prepare the improvement project and subsequently oversee the work and safety coordination. The route follows the former Albatera-Torrevieja railway line and passes through both urban and natural areas.

Via Verde improvements enter design stage

The design team has been given two months to prepare the project, including determining exactly what improvements are required along the greenway.

The contract also covers the subsequent supervision of the work and safety coordination once the project progresses.

The planned improvements are intended to make the Via Verde safer and more comfortable for people using it on foot or by bicycle.

Before work can begin, the design process will also need to establish the necessary measures and obtain the relevant permissions for the proposed improvements.

Route stretches for 6.7 kilometres

Torrevieja’s Via Verde follows the former Albatera-Torrevieja railway line, providing a route between urban areas and the municipality’s distinctive natural landscape.

It begins beside the Museum of Salt at kilometre zero and continues towards Acequion beach and alongside Torrevieja’s Pink Lagoon.

The first section currently provides separate surfaces for cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists use an asphalt section, while a paved area is provided for people travelling on foot.

However, the character of the route changes from kilometre 3.4, where it becomes a single compacted-earth path shared by users.

From there, the greenway continues through areas of reeds before finishing at the CV-945 at kilometre 6.7.

Protected landscape shapes improvement plans

Environmental considerations will form an important part of the project because sections of the route are affected by the protected status of the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Natural Park.

The reeds found along parts of the Via Verde also provide a natural refuge for wildlife, meaning the design will have to take the surrounding environment into account when deciding what improvements can be carried out.

The two-month design stage will establish the work required to improve conditions for walkers and cyclists while addressing the environmental requirements and permissions associated with the route.

Free bus travel for most residents registered on Torrevieja’s padron is set to end as the town prepares to introduce its new urban transport fares during October.

The precise date passengers will begin paying has not yet been announced, but the new system will introduce single fares, multi-journey passes and tourist tickets. Free travel will continue for certain groups who meet the required conditions.

Single bus journeys will cost €1.50

Under the proposed system, a single journey on Torrevieja’s urban buses will cost €1.50.

Passengers who use the network regularly will have the option of buying multi-journey passes. A 10-journey pass will cost €11, while a 20-journey pass will be priced at €22.

For those travelling more frequently, unlimited travel for 30 days will cost €44.

Visitors to Torrevieja will have separate Tourist Card options. A three-day card will cost €10, while unlimited travel for seven days will be available for €18.

The new pricing means that simply being registered on Torrevieja’s padron will no longer automatically entitle most residents to free travel.

Bono Oro keeps free travel for some residents

Free unlimited bus travel will remain available through the Bono Oro for people aged over 65, pensioners and those with a recognised disability of at least 33 per cent.

To qualify, residents in these groups must have been registered on the Torrevieja padron for more than one year.

Discounted passes will also be available for people aged under 26, large families and residents who have been unemployed for more than two years.

The changes introduce a more targeted system of free and reduced-price travel rather than providing free journeys to most people simply because they are registered locally.

New fares form part of bus overhaul

The introduction of fares is part of Torrevieja’s wider overhaul of its urban public transport network.

Changes to the service include new routes, increased coverage and a modernised bus fleet as the town updates the way residents and visitors travel around the municipality.

The new fares are due to be introduced during October, although Torrevieja Town Hall has not yet announced the precise date on which passengers will begin paying.

Until that date is confirmed, passengers are advised to watch for further information about when the new ticketing arrangements will take effect.

Walkers are being invited to take to the streets of Guardamar del Segura in October to support the fight against breast cancer and raise awareness of the disease.

The March Against Breast Cancer will take place on Sunday, October 25, bringing local residents together under the message “Walking for the same cause.” Participants will set off from Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 10:00 AM.

Breast cancer walk starts at 10:00 AM

The event is being organised by the Guardamar branch of the Alicante Association for the Fight Against Cancer.

Residents are encouraged to join the walk and show their support for people affected by breast cancer, while helping to increase awareness of the disease within the local community.

The march will begin from Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 25.

The event forms part of local efforts to bring people together around a shared cause, combining fundraising with a visible demonstration of support for cancer patients and their families.

T-shirts and race numbers cost €7

Registration is already open for anyone wishing to take part in the October walk.

Participants can purchase a race number and commemorative T-shirt for €7.

People who would like to contribute to the cause but are unable to join the walk can instead purchase a symbolic race number for €1, allowing them to support the fundraiser without taking part on the day.

Race numbers and T-shirts are available in advance from the association’s Guardamar headquarters at Calle San Francisco 19, ground floor.

They can be purchased on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Walk raises awareness and support

As well as raising funds, the Guardamar march aims to increase awareness of breast cancer and show support for those living with the disease.

The Alicante Association for the Fight Against Cancer works to support cancer patients and their families while promoting prevention and awareness initiatives throughout the province.

Fundraising events also help bring communities together and provide residents with a practical way to contribute to the association’s work.

The Guardamar March Against Breast Cancer takes place on Sunday, October 25, with the walk leaving Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 10:00 AM.