Summary:
'M Oeste' pass launched for public transport users.
Travel for free between 12 municipalities in the Oeste region.
Monthly travel cost to Lisbon reduced to €40.
Free passes for youth up to 23 years and discounts for seniors.
Oeste region is the first in Portugal to implement free intermunicipal transport.
New Public Transport Pass for the Oeste Region
The OesteCIM - Intermunicipal Community of Oeste has launched the 'M Oeste' pass, which is now available for public transport users starting today. This new pass allows users to travel for free between 12 municipalities, including Alcobaça, Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, Peniche, Bombarral, Lourinhã, Cadaval, Torres Vedras, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, and Sobral de Monte Agraço. Previously, the monthly pass cost up to €40.
Affordable Travel to Lisbon
The 'M Oeste' pass also reduces the monthly cost for public transport to Lisbon to just €40, matching the rate for residents within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Users can also take advantage of this pass for urban transport in Lisbon at no extra cost. Previously, the pass for users traveling from municipalities like Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Sobral de Monte Agraço, and Torres Vedras cost €70, while travelers from Alcobaça, Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Nazaré, Óbidos, and Peniche paid €80.
Benefits for Young People and Seniors
The OesteCIM has announced that inter-regional passes will continue to be free for young people up to 23 years old, and seniors over 65 years will receive additional undisclosed discounts. All residents of the 12 municipalities and those working or studying in the region will be eligible for the free pass.
Transition Period and Future Plans
A transition period will be implemented for the 'M Oeste' pass. Current holders of municipal or intermunicipal passes will see their passes automatically converted to the 'M Oeste' pass starting this month. For holders of inter-regional passes with the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, the transition will begin in February 2025.
A Step Towards Sustainability
The Oeste region becomes the first in Portugal to implement free transport under the intermunicipal model, excluding rail transport via the Oeste Line. The president of the Intermunicipal Council, Pedro Folgado, expressed pride in this development, stating it is a step toward placing sustainability at the forefront of public policies.
Historical Context and Financial Support
This initiative began in 2019, when a monthly pass to Lisbon cost €183.15. The new price of €40 mirrors what users from areas like Cascais or Almada pay. This change is hailed as a significant savings for families. The total investment for the 'M Oeste' pass exceeds €12 million, with €3 million allocated to ensure the pass's free usage. Increased financial contributions are expected from the Environmental Fund and the Ministry of Environment through the PART - Public Transport Fare Reduction Support Program. This program, initiated in 2019, aims to encourage public transport usage by providing annual funding to transport authorities for thoughtful fare adjustments and service offers.
Current Challenges
Despite the rise in public transport users, particularly in bus services, the supply of routes and seats has not kept pace with demand.
Text: ALVORADA
Photograph: Reserved Rights (archive)
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