Palma mayor fights to keep TUI water bus project afloat

Palma’s mayor has stepped in to defend plans for a new water bus service after uncertainty emerged over whether tourism giant TUI will continue with the ambitious project.

The proposed service is designed to ease pressure on Palma’s busy road network by allowing residents and visitors to travel across the Bay of Palma by boat instead of relying solely on cars and buses.

A response to traffic changes

The mayor said the project has become even more important following the extensive redevelopment of the Paseo Marítimo.

The waterfront transformation has seen more than 1,000 parking spaces removed and road layouts altered, reducing traffic capacity in the area. Martínez believes alternative transport options are now essential if the city is to avoid worsening congestion.

He described the water bus as an important part of Palma’s wider mobility strategy, alongside recent investments in the BiciPalma public bike network and the city’s new circular EMT bus route.

According to the mayor, these initiatives are intended to give residents and visitors more sustainable ways to move around the capital while reducing dependence on private cars.

Why the project is in doubt

Although TUI was awarded the concession to operate the service earlier this year in partnership with local company MallorcAventura, the project has yet to begin.

Objections from the Balearic Association of Maritime Activities Companies (APEAM), together with environmental concerns surrounding the concession, have complicated negotiations. Several reports suggest TUI could withdraw unless the outstanding issues are resolved.

If that were to happen, one of Palma’s most anticipated transport projects could be delayed indefinitely.

How the service would work

The original plans called for four boats operating across three routes in the Bay of Palma.

One route would primarily serve cruise passengers travelling between the cruise terminals and the historic centre. Another would operate year-round as a public transport service linking key areas of the port for residents and workers. A third seasonal route would connect Palma with popular beaches including Portitxol, Cala Estància, Can Pastilla and s’Arenal.

Six strategically positioned stops around the bay would allow passengers to connect easily with buses, cycling routes and the city centre.

Affordable public transport on the water

Unlike traditional sightseeing boats, the service was designed to function as part of Palma’s public transport network.

Initial plans set a single journey fare at €6, while frequent travellers would benefit from heavily discounted travel passes. A 20-trip pass would reduce each journey to €1, while a 100-trip pass would bring the cost down to just 50 cents per ride.

The project also includes environmental features such as solar-powered stations, rainwater recycling systems and measures intended to improve marine biodiversity around the harbour.

For now, however, the future of the water bus remains uncertain. Palma City Council continues to support the scheme, with the mayor insisting the city should not miss the opportunity to introduce a new form of sustainable transport that could transform travel along its famous seafront.