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Free buses in Palma: Who pays when the coffers close?

Why Palma’s Free Buses Still Need Funding

Palma’s free buses still need funding because EMT must cover operating costs even without ticket revenue.

Published: April 21, 2026
Free buses in Palma: Who pays when the coffers close?

Answer

Why is Palma talking about free buses if they already seem to cost money?

The buses may feel free to passengers, but someone still has to cover the operating costs. EMT has had to put money upfront to keep the service running without ticket income, which creates pressure on the city’s budget. The debate is really about who pays the bill: Palma, Madrid, or a mix of public sources.

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