Residents and visitors in Funchal, Madeira have exacting standards on all fronts, from high-quality accommodation to a tantalising range of shops, restaurants and bars at competitive prices, all in preferably unspoilt natural surroundings. The need to combine a high-quality environment with modern and fashionable commercial facilities makes Madeira the perfect location for eco-friendly public transport. Now everyone can enjoy an upgrade in city centre transport, where the latest eco-technology in buses is improving air quality and congestion levels, with a comfortable, quiet and easy to use service.
- 21 May 2010
These user-friendly buses are a visible sign of new technology being at the service of established businesses and commerce.
The regional and local administrations have worked together to achieve this project. Previous gaps between the quality of life in urban and rural areas are narrowing as a result of clean technology coming into the city centre. Today those in Funchal are enjoying all the advantages of city life in cleaner surroundings.
Good for business & tourism
Getting round the centre of Funchal is quick and easy with the frequent service provided by the electric buses. Local residents and tourists alike can rely on them from 8am – 8pm, 6 days a week, and enjoy a comfortable, quiet ride that conveniently passes most of the centre's car parks. The wide-ranging benefits are the result of a long-term transport strategy by the city authorities, dating back to the 1980’s, but updated more recently to include the greenest technology.
Businesses and tourism on the island gain in equal measure; the city is accessible to all and tourist publicity is increasingly using the buses to present an appealing image of the island. They offer easy access for the disabled, through low level boarding and an area for wheelchairs. The buses relieve traffic congestion and everyone welcomes their contribution to cleaner air around the city centre.
Meeting green expectations
Even after accounting for power generation, Funchal’s electric buses lead the way in low carbon transport. Their success rests on the performance of so-called ‘zebra’ batteries that allow a whole day’s use in between charging. Funchal is the second European city after Lucca in Italy to include this technology in its public transport network.
While some eco-friendly technologies come with compromises in terms of practical usefulness, Funchal’s four electric buses offer good performance by any standards. They can travel up to 33km/hr, which is easily sufficient for city centre journeys, and carry 22 passengers. All in all, a great example of green city living in the twenty-first century.