Carlos Carvalho, president of Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa, presented in Funchal the strategy that transformed public transport in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The initiative focused on a common strategy, greater coordination between entities, fare integration, and increased service offerings.
This approach led to the creation of Carris Metropolitana, with a standardized bus network and significant improvements in service, comfort, and safety. In 2025, 194 million passengers were transported, an 11.5% increase from the previous year, using a fleet of approximately 1,700 buses.
A key outcome was replacing a complex fare system with an intermodal model, where a monthly pass now costs 40 euros for travel across multiple municipalities, down from 150 euros previously. Reduced passes are available for young people, seniors, and families, with free travel for those under 24. The model is supported by robust and predictable public funding.
