Strix
Vitória! Vitória!
- May 7, 2019
- 735
| TYPE | Infrastructure |
| COUNTRY | Portugal |
| PROJECT | Iniciativa de Transporte Público |
| PROJECT COST | 500,000,000.00 |
| COMPLETION DATE | 04/08/2020 |
| PROJECT INFORMATION | The Iniciativa de Transporte Público (Public Transport Initiative) aims to reform public transport in Portugal, in order to reduce traffic congestion. This would reform the system in two ways: Issuing two new cards, and the modernization of existing transport hubs. Citizens would be issued new cards called "Cartão Real de Transporte Público" (Royal Card of Public Transport) that would be incorporated into existing Public Transport Systems. These cards would negate the use of physical tickets, and would vastly help in reducing wait times for commuters during the rush hour. Cardholders simply present their card to the ticket booth, where the employee stationed would scan their card and deduct their balance, and proceed to their transport of choice. These ticket booths would be strategically placed so that the next area would be the waiting area. Busses would be equipped with their own separate card scanners for those who are waiting in bus stops. The cards would be issued at the nearest administrative center and would require a payment of roughly $10, which would also hold a balance of $10. The cardholder may 'load' their cards to increase their balance by intervals of $5, $10, and $20. The balance on their card would be deducted for every ride, which costs around $2 for tram, bus, and train rides. Loading stations for cards would be located at the transport stations, tourist spots, and administrative centers for ease of access. The Major city centers of Lisbon, Braga, Faro, and Funchal would be issued special cards named after their respective city, which grants the holder free access of all public transportation within the city until its expiry, which is a year after it is issued. This card would cost $15, with subsequent renewals costing $5. The price of all cards and transport fees would be halved for students and the elderly. The old ticket system would still be in use but will be phased out in the next 2 years. The Government would release ads over national television to help educate the public on the national project and to encourage the population in opting out of private vehicles for public transport. The next half would be the modernization of transport hubs all around the country, through infrastructure checks on current stations, renovation on all existing buildings, replacement and modernization of trams, busses, and trains, the improvement on current waiting areas, and the general goal in making these transport stations more accessible to the public. Tourists would be free to buy these cards for themselves, with the City Cards replaced by a tourist card that costs roughly the same, but with the expiry date at 6 months after issue. |
| PRIVATE / ENCRYPTED | No |
