(The Ibiza Sun, Issue 246, page 6 - 03-11-2004)

 

Juan Manuel Grijalvo has over the years become the island's expert on public transport. He is the author of several articles & reports citing possible solutions for the future of transportation on Ibiza where space is limited & where cars are continually on the increase in numbers requiring bigger roads & causing more environmental pollution & destruction of all types. Grijalvo also has the solution for a fast transport link between Ibiza & Formentera as well as the mainland.

Juan argues that the solution to public transport in Ibiza must be assumed by all politicians so that it doesn't get derailed (excuse the pun) every time there is a change of government. Cars are not the answer as they on average are only used for half an hour a day in total & take up at least 7m2 of space each as well as being very expensive. Juan suggests that if we spent collectively half what each of us spends on a car & pays in taxes to build roads then we would have the finest public transport system in the world. This would be, in Grijalvo's opinion, best based around the concept of the "aerobus". This is a modern version of the tram we all love running suspended from an aluminium track which could easily be built all over the island. This could link all the centres of population on the island, requires low cost infrastructures, takes up little space & has a low environmental impact. Running costs are low & the "aerobus" is a flexible type of transport, which can carry between 80 to 320 passengers at a time in a fun & fast way. It can also be used to transport merchandise of all types & sizes around the island.

To solve the ferry links problem, Grijalvo has studies in hand of low flying air-ferries, which are soon supposed to start operating between the islands in the far east. These "fly" at around 4 metres above the water & leave from ports in the same way as traditional ferries would. However, once outside the port the air-ferry increases speed to 350kmph & takes off in open sea making the crossings in about the same time as an aircraft would & with the same degree of comfort. Again, the air-ferry can be used in an efficient way for passengers & cargo. The crossing to Denia from Ibiza would take around 15 minutes only!

Juan has his theory ready to present to the authorities on the island & is officially going public with his ideas on the day that they inaugurate the new bus station in Ibiza Town. Those wishing to read more about Grijalvo's fascinating & practical public transport solutions, as well as other topics related to Ibiza should check out his comprehensive web site on www.grijalvo.com.