Portuguese government approves new measures to enhance urban mobility and sustainable transport

The Portuguese Council of Ministers has introduced a comprehensive package of measures to advance urban mobility and encourage sustainable transport. The new policies focus on expanding public transport access, developing active travel infrastructure, and modernising freight systems to minimise their environmental footprint. They are designed to make transport more affordable, efficient, and sustainable, the measures reflect a national commitment to greener mobility solutions.

Public transport measures

The government has allocated EUR 115 million by 2025 for public transport projects, including:

1. Municipal support for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP): EUR 3 million to assist municipalities in developing SUMPs, focusing on public and active transport improvements. 
2. Expansion of the Social Pass: Under the new set of measures it is expected to benefit 2.5 times more people, this initiative offers a 50 % discount for citizens with disabilities and a 25 % discount for the long-term unemployed.
3. Green Rail Pass: A new EUR 20 pass will cover most intercity, regional, and urban rail services in Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto, targeting 30 million passengers annually.
4. Free Youth Pass: Providing free public transport for residents aged up to 23, this initiative will support 241 000 young people with a budget of over EUR 40 million.
5. Investment in intelligent mobility: EUR 2.7 million will modernise public transport systems, including advancements in ticketing technologies. 
6. Public Transport Service Fund: A EUR 10 million fund will be created to develop public transport services.
7. Electric vehicle incentives:EUR 20 million will support scrapping vehicles over 10 years old, offering EUR 4 000 (or EUR 5 000 for social support institutions) toward electric vehicle purchases.
8. Cycle path extension: A EUR 3 million fund will promote active travel by constructing new cycle paths.

Freight and logistics measures

The government has also introduced several measures to improve the efficiency of freight and logistics systems. Some of these key measures include: 

1. Rail freight support: EUR 45 million will be allocated encourage the transition from road to rail for transporting goods.
2. Electric freight vehicle incentives: EUR 3.5 million will be provided to replace older freight vehicles with electric models.
3. Urban logistics strategy support: EUR 2 million will be earmarked to aid local authorities in optimising goods movement in urban areas.

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.