Students from l’Alcoià and el Comtat who rely on buses to reach the University of Alicante or vocational colleges can use their STU+ card on participating regular services from 1 September. The network’s dedicated academic-year timetable starts on Wednesday 9 September, when non-university classes resume across the Valencian Community.
There is one distinction likely to cause confusion at the bus door: the white free-travel card for people under 31 is not valid on dedicated STU+ services. The Mancomunitat de l’Alcoià i el Comtat treats that general concession separately from its own card, which gives reduced fares to students both registered as residents in member municipalities and enrolled in recognised education.
The main corridor links Muro, Cocentaina and Alcoi with the Sant Vicent del Raspeig campus. The programme also covers journeys to Ibi, Onil and Castalla, particularly for vocational students. Vectalia’s course notice lists direct Alcoi–Alicante buses, services to Sant Vicent and Alicante via the Foia de Castalla, and the Alcoi–Sant Joan Hospital–Alicante route through Ibi and Tibi.
One card, but two start dates
Until 8 September, the card’s immediate use is limited to regular Alcoi–Alicante buses that accept it. The dedicated 2026/27 departures begin the following day. The Mancomunitat says times at intermediate stops are approximate. It also warns that some return journeys will not receive a second bus when fewer than ten passengers need it; the 9.30pm service keeps that back-up, although it may terminate in Alcoi if nobody is travelling onwards to Cocentaina or Muro.
New applications and renewals are open through the Mancomunitat’s electronic office. A first application requires a digital certificate, DNI or NIE identity document, proof of enrolment in recognised education, a passport-style photograph and a residency certificate. Existing users renew with updated enrolment and residency evidence. Once approved, cards are collected from the youth service in the relevant municipality.
Being under 31 is not the qualifying test. Reduced STU+ fares depend on both studying in recognised education and living in a Mancomunitat member town. Other passengers may still board the dedicated buses but pay the standard fare. The card is personal: initial issue is free, while replacement after loss, damage or a late renewal costs €10, except where theft is supported by a police report.
Passengers should check their exact stop before the first journey, because Alcoi stops vary by departure and Onil also has timetable-specific changes. The Mancomunitat keeps timetables, routes, top-up points and disruption contacts together on its STU+ page. It is also the place to check if Vectalia adjusts departures during the opening weeks of term.