The Velez-Malaga tram, the first of its kind in Andalucia, made its last journey on Sunday evening and the service is now suspended until further notice.
The tram system, connecting Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar, was built at a cost of over €40 million and began operating in 2006. However, since that time the number of passengers has been constantly declining and the Council has found itself getting further and further into debt.
Last week, the Council signed an agreement with the transport company Alsa to augment the bus service in preparation for the suspension of the tram service.
The Council, Alsa and the concessionaire for the tram service, Travelsa, all seem to view the suspension as the best solution to the situation.
The Mayor of Velez-Malaga, Delgado Bonilla, has not ruled out the resumption of the tram service if suitable funding becomes available, although the Junta de Andalucia has consistently ruled out providing any subsidy.