The tourist season has already begun, and with it the traffic jams. And while we are unfortunately used to traffic jams, not only during the season but throughout the year, the people of Kaštela are additionally faced with congestion on public transport. Last summer, it was almost impossible to get into Prometovo 37, and it seems that this summer will be the same, or rather, it is already the case.
Namely, Prometova 37ma, which runs through Kaštela every 20 minutes, cannot meet the needs of Kaštela residents during the season, who wait for a long time for the bus near the airport due to the numerous tourists boarding, and when it finally arrives, they cannot get on it because it is full of tourists.
Every day, and almost all day long, a large number of tourists wait with their suitcases at the station near the airport to board the 37m, while other passengers wait 20 minutes while these same tourists board and the driver charges them for their fare, thus being late for work, the doctor's office or elsewhere. When tourists enter the 37m, there are no more free seats, not even those at the beginning that are intended for the disabled, which tourists see as an ideal place to put their suitcases. The people of Kaštela who board at the remaining stations in Donji Kaštela can only stand on their feet and squeeze in, not only with people but also with their suitcases, while those who wait at the stations in Gornji Kaštela regularly hear from the driver that the bus is full and that the second 37m will arrive in a few minutes. Of course, they have to wait in the sun and heat for the second 37m, and it is almost always just as full as the previous one. We don't need to emphasize that getting out of the crowded 37me is an impossible mission, especially for the elderly who have to squeeze through tourists and suitcases to get to the nearest door.
Last year, Promet introduced additional lines to ensure regular transportation for local residents, as well as other passengers. Although the additional lines did not significantly reduce congestion at 37mi, they did help to a lesser extent, so we asked Promet if they planned to introduce additional lines this summer as well, to which we received an affirmative answer, but without a specific date when we can expect additional lines.
- In accordance with the Road Transport Act, with the prerequisite that capacities are at a satisfactory level, the inclusion of additional buses on the existing departure line number 37 is planned for this season as well. The goal is to reduce pressure on the line and ensure regular transport for all passengers, especially the local population - we were told by Promet.
Although some tourists use the Promet app and stamp their tickets via their mobile phone, it takes time for all passengers to be processed. However, a larger number of those buy their tickets from the driver, which causes additional delays to the bus, so we sent a request to Promet whether they plan to install a ticket machine at the station near the airport so that those who do not have the Promet app can buy their tickets there and thus at least reduce the wait a little.
- As part of the second phase of the E-ticketing system, the partial implementation of which is expected next year, it is planned to install a ticket machine at the Airport 2 bus stop. This would significantly shorten the boarding time for passengers and relieve the burden on drivers, which would further contribute to the punctuality and flow of the line - we were told by Promet.
Public transport in Kaštela is the most affordable option for tourists, whether it's the airport taxi service or taxis like Uber or Bolt, and it's also cheaper than the airport bus service. It's no wonder that so many are patiently waiting for the 37mu from Trogir.
It is clear that city transport in Kaštela does not function during the summer, and the solution to this major problem should primarily be found by the Transport Department, but also by the City of Kaštela, which should step forward more vigorously towards the Transport Department, given that the City allocates a lot of money to this public transport company for the transport of Kaštela residents who are hostage to this situation this summer.
Photo: Ivana Topic
