New Water Bus for Palma: German Operator Competes with Consortium

Water routes instead of traffic jams: Palma considers new water bus

At Palma's port something is happening that you would not expect at first glance: instead of another bus interchange, a regular water bus is planned to shuttle people between the pier and the old town. The port authority has launched a procedure — two interested parties are competing: a large German tourism group and a consortium of Spanish providers.

Where the boats are planned to dock

The planned stops are compact and conveniently arranged: Estación Marítima No. 6 at the west quay, Poniente quay, Golondrinas quay, Portitxol quay and the steps at Lonja quay. Anyone heading from Passeig Mallorca to the fish market in the morning could soon choose a ten-minute ferry ride instead of a winding bus route.

Timetables, fleet, capacity

At least three lines are planned with an initial fleet of four low-emission vessels, each for around 100 people. Service is expected to run daily from about 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; on weekends an extension until midnight is foreseen. This is therefore not about sightseeing boats, but about a genuine commuter and local transport service.

Personal observation: in the mornings you often see delivery vans, taxis and cyclists sharing the space here — a water bus would certainly relieve pressure on some road sections noticeably.

Why the project matters

The port administration wants to integrate the new service into a larger plan for urban mobility near the harbor. The aim is to reduce the number of cars entering the port area, make walking and cycling routes more attractive and strengthen the connection between the port and the city center. Combined with the announced ring line of the municipal bus company, this could make a real difference — if well planned.

How people are reacting

Residents are divided: some see the chance to get to work or the weekly market without stress; others fear more noise at the quay and possible problems for small fishing boats. Operators hope for tourists using short links to sights and for locals willing to leave their cars at home.

The tender will be decided soon. If you walk along the west mole tomorrow and suddenly see small, quiet boats, you'll know the city has taken a step forward — or that a few discussions are still ahead. I, for one, will be on the first trip to see how commuting over water really works.