Getting to work, school or public services is now officially a citizen’s right in Spain. The new Sustainable Mobility Law requires authorities to guarantee accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly transport options.
This means better quality and frequency in urban services. Rural and small-town areas will get more public transport too.
Tackling car dependency
The Spain mobility law aims to reduce car reliance. A new State Fund for Sustainable Mobility will finance electric buses, cycle lanes, trams and light rail.
Metropolitan areas are the main focus. The goal is better connections and frequencies that can handle current and future transport demand.
Transport accounts for 30% of Spain’s greenhouse gas emissions. The new law requires calculating the carbon footprint of all transport.
Cycling gets major boost
There’s a new National Cycling Strategy coming. More cycle lanes, secure bike parking and safe school routes for children are all planned.
The law also creates better information for users. The Integrated Mobility Data Space and National Multimodal Access Point will let people check real-time schedules, fares and emissions across different transport modes.
Planning a journey becomes easier. Someone could map their route linking train, bus and shared scooter, knowing exactly where to catch each one, travel time and total cost.
Low Emission Zones expanded
Councils must integrate their Low Emission Zones within Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. These zones need to align with national emissions reduction and air quality targets.
Incentives will encourage public transport and cycling. However, penalties will hit older vehicles.
Companies with over 200 employees and state entities must create sustainable mobility plans within two years. Options include promoting public transport, bikes, remote work or car-sharing.
Larger firms will need to offer remote work or flexible hours to reduce peak-time travel.
Rail over short flights
The law promotes rail travel instead of short flights. Domestic flights face potential cuts when rail alternatives under 2.5 hours exist.
Freight transport gets a push from road to rail too. Electric vehicle conversion and safe rest areas for lorry drivers are also planned.
All transport must be accessible for disabled people. The legislation considers vulnerable groups’ safety and specific needs.
Transport causes 30% of greenhouse gases in Spain. It’s also the main source of urban pollutants like NO₂ and particulates, which cause over 20,000 premature deaths yearly according to the European Environment Agency.
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