Commuters Outraged Over Increased Travel Time and Costs
Daily commuters from the scenic mountainous regions around Ronda to towns on the Costa del Sol are expressing their frustration and distress over the current situation. They now face the daunting task of waking up earlier, driving longer distances, taking detours, and spending more on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Workers Consider Unemployment Over Long Commutes
Cristóbal Román, a 26-year veteran electrician who commutes daily from Ronda to the coast, shared his concerns. He highlighted the grueling routine of commuting, working, and sleeping, suggesting that some might consider unemployment as a more viable option. Román also expressed his worries about the upcoming tourist season in April, which will further congest the roads.
Longer Routes and Poor Road Conditions
Román also pointed out the plight of workers commuting from towns like Setenil de las Bodegas, Villamartín, and Grazalema in Cadiz, or from Montecorto. Their nearest route was via San Pedro, but now they face a massive detour, resulting in a four-hour journey one way. He also criticized the poor road communications in the Serranía de Ronda, stating that good communication links could significantly improve the situation.
Commuters Call for Better Road Maintenance
Óscar Morales, a plumber working in La Zagaleta, echoed Román’s sentiments. He criticized the poor state of the roads and called for better maintenance, particularly for the road between Ronda and San Pedro. Sandra De Figueroa, an orderly and driver at the health centre in San Pedro, also expressed her concerns about the heavy traffic and poor road conditions.
Concerns Over Economic Impact and Housing Costs
Figueroa also highlighted the economic implications of the situation, stating that many people arrived late for work and that renting on the coast is prohibitively expensive. She also criticized the lack of maintenance on the Ronda-San Pedro road, stating that a landslide was inevitable given the road’s condition.
Local Mayors Express Concern
Ronda’s mayor María de la Paz Fernández has expressed concern about the situation and its potential impact on Ronda’s economy. She called a meeting with the area’s mayors to discuss the issue and called for more immediate action. Parauta’s mayor Katrin Ortega, who is personally affected by the situation, also shared her experiences and concerns.
