The number of social passes sold on public transport in the Algarve increased by 25% from April to June, surpassing expectations created with the entry into force of the new tariffs, which now have a maximum value of 40 euros, in a measure introduced by AMAL, the Algarve Intermunicipal Community.
In June, nearly 5.700 passes were sold, an increase of around 1.200 tickets compared to April, "with an increase in demand both in road and rail transport", announced AMAL.
The price reduction began to be applied on May 1st, with the execution of the Public Transport Tariff Reduction Support Program.
At the moment, the passes have a value between 14 and 40 euros, and, in the railroad, there are cases where the reduction was around 80%.
A third phase is already planned, starting in September, with an additional 20% reduction in school passes, which were already subsidized by the municipalities at an average rate of 50% and will benefit from this 20% reduction.
These new prices were obtained through funds from the Environmental Fund and local authorities. AMAL contributes with about 1 million euros from the Environmental Fund, which represents about 97,5% of the global amount, with the remaining 2,5% provided by the municipalities.
The Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve stresses that this is one more measure of its own “to increase the demand for public transport and a step towards the decarbonization of the south of the country”.
"The implementation of this plan is possible with the commitment of the entities involved, especially local authorities and transport operators, who guarantee the success of the measure, reducing travel costs and taking an important step in environmental terms, reducing cars in the road and air pollution levels”, adds AMAL.
Another of AMAL's bets is the introduction of an intermodal pass, having already approved the elaboration of the study to decide on the model to be applied and thus take another step towards improving the quality of life and mobility in the Algarve region.
Comments