Balearic transport sector gets €1m fuel-cost aid

Transport operators across the Balearic Islands are receiving nearly €1 million in the first round of fuel-cost support. The Balearic Government approved 326 payments on Friday, 25 September, to soften higher fuel prices and the effects of the war in the Middle East.

More than €513,000 goes to 265 self-employed freight transport workers. A further €393,000 is earmarked for 61 firms running non-regular passenger bus services, the Ministry of Housing, Territory and Mobility said.

More payments in the pipeline

The Directorate General for Mobility has so far published proposed awards for 573 grants worth €5.4 million. That is more than half of the almost €10 million available through the support schemes.

The next payment decision is being prepared for freight transport companies. Its proposed awards cover 224 grants worth nearly €4.4 million, once the five-working-day period for objections to the proposal has ended.

1,440 applications across the islands

The seven schemes have drawn 1,440 applications covering 7,636 vehicles since they opened in July. They are available across the islands to companies and self-employed operators using lorries, buses, taxis and hire cars with drivers, known as VTCs.

Of the overall funding, €6 million is set aside to offset higher fuel prices in freight transport. Non-regular passenger services receive €750,000, taxis €500,000 and VTCs €100,000. Another €2.5 million is available to scrap transport vehicles, including lorries and buses.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com