Train takes the tourist strain
Tourist train suggested to replace Granadella shuttle
THE FREE shuttle service to Jávea’s Granadella beach has been heralded a hit with visitors and hailed a success by the town hall.
It is the second year the local authority has provided a transport link to the overcrowded Cala de Granadella in a bid to regulate access to cove.
A council spokesman said the high season transport link – said to cost over €61,000 - would continue until August 30 from the entrance to the La Guardia urbanisation where there was a large car park and further parking in surrounding streets.
Once the limited parking at the cove is full, a barrier prevents access to Calle Teuladi and Calle Verderol, which lead down to Granadella. Residents and people working at the cove have a special access pass.
“The aim is to reduce satu- ration of one of Spain’s most beautiful coves and reduce damage to its environment, while increasing the quality to visitors,” he said.
“In addition the service aims to reduce the chaos of traffic circulation during busier times since there is only one access point which could put safety at risk; especially during any emergency that might arise in the cove.”
Visitors used to park on the old riverbed at Granadella but that was closed by the water authority on safety grounds.
Last year the ‘park and ride’ service was operated for the first time from council owned land on nearby Costa Nova – triggering a storm of protest from angry residents after the end of the season.
A ‘green space’ surrounded by woodland saw up to 150 cars crammed into the car park and others left blocking surrounding streets, gateways and drives.
Local residents say life became ‘unbearable’ in the high season because of the constant noise and dust; and maintained they were ‘scared’ of a ‘disaster’ should a forest fire break out.
A safety expert said the situation was ‘an accident waiting to happen’ and could be ‘potentially catastrophic’ because of the danger of fire.
However, Mayor Jose Chulvi and Councillor Kika Mata met residents and promised they would address concerns after the “experiment” of the first year – which has seen the shuttle based in a different and more suitable place.
The opposition Partido Poplular has asked whether it would be cheaper next year to buy a tourist train and make it a municipal service for the six weeks; in a statement the PP also suggested the money could be better spent on providing free transportation for students and athletes.
The first train leaves Guardia Park at 11.00 and continues until 20.00, running every 45 minutes. It leaves Granadella from 11.20 and returns every 45 minutes until 20.20.