Porto to Launch Free Public Transport for Residents This Summer
"We will do everything possible to bring this measure forward, with a view to having it in place by summer," said Pedro Duarte during the public meeting of the municipal executive, where the proposal was approved—though the far-right Chega party abstained.
The mayor, elected on a coalition ticket of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the CDS-PP, and the Liberal Initiative (IL), insisted he wants to implement the measure—allowing Porto residents to travel free of charge across the entire metropolitan area—"as soon as possible." However, he noted that its rollout does not depend solely on the municipality but also on the Court of Auditors.
The goal, he stressed, is to prioritize people's quality of life, framing the initiative as a matter of "attitude and vision."
"New times demand new solutions, so this measure is bold and carries risks—but we are being innovative," he stated.
Duarte assured the public that the roughly €20.5 million annual investment represents a strategic allocation rather than an expense and will not divert funds from other areas. "The more successful this measure is, the more we will need to invest—and for us, that will be excellent news," he emphasized.
Socialist councilor Manuel Pizarro, however, argued that a "true transformation" in Porto would require a comprehensive mobility strategy. While he expressed "serious doubts" about the practical implementation, he added that he would be "very pleased" if the measure proves effective.
Meanwhile, Chega councilor Miguel Corte-Real, whose party did not campaign on the proposal, acknowledged that since it had won public support, "it now has a mandate."
According to the proposal obtained by Lusa News Agency, the plan calls for replacing the current model with an integrated fare system linked to the Porto Card, covering the same geographic area as the existing Andante Metropolitan Pass and granting access to all included public transport services.
The budget allocation for the program stands at €10.25 million this year, rising to €18.7 million in 2027 and €1.8 million in 2028.
The contract, named "Flex," will apply only to Porto Card holders over 23 (as those under 23 already qualify for free national transit passes). It also requires the Porto Metropolitan Transport Authority (TMP) to phase out the current system, which offers 22 free trips to cardholders.
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