The Transporte a Pedido project set up a transport network with more than 70 routes, over 1 300 stops and frequent services in Médio Tejo, a sparsely populated part of Portugal’s Centre region with few public transport options. Passengers book in advance, either online or by phone, and routes and schedules are adjusted daily. Vehicles – mostly taxis from 30 local operators – only serve stops from which trips have been booked. Payment rates are based on distance travelled, up to a maximum of EUR 4 per trip – cheaper than normal taxi journeys.
- 28 September 2021
“Transporte a Pedido in the Médio Tejo has proved its environmental and economic sustainability, significantly contributing to social inclusion. Such results have led to its replication elsewhere in Portugal.”
The service began with five routes in the Mação municipality in 2013. It expanded across Médio Tejo and now transports around 1 200 passengers a distance of some 13 500 km each month, serving an area of about 214 000 residents.
Initially connecting small towns with municipal seats, the project later established regular connections between the 13 municipal seats of Médio Tejo, giving young and working people an incentive to use public rather than private transport for daily commutes.
Combating exclusion
Along with a low population density, a quarter of the inhabitants of some municipalities in Médio Tejo are aged over 75. The scarcity of public transport in these areas leads to serious inequality and the risk of social exclusion. This has worsened in recent years due to centralisation of essential facilities in larger towns and cities.
Transporte a Pedido safeguards the right to mobility and access to basic services for people in rural areas. Its schedules are aligned with those of the railways and other road transport services, and with the operating hours of health centres and schools.
In addition to being comparable to regular modes of transport in terms of quality, the service is more environmentally and economically sustainable. Optimisation of routes maximises occupancy rates and minimises distance travelled – the fleet covers around 10 % of the distance that traditional modes would need to cover to ensure the same level of service. This significantly reduces CO2 emissions and operating costs, which stood at EUR 6 500 a month in 2020. The involvement of local taxi companies boosts the profitability of small firms.
Satisfied customers
Some 97 % of Transporte a Pedido users are very satisfied with its punctuality, speed and comfort, and 90 % feel the same way about the booking system. Usage levels have remained high, despite the Covid-19 pandemic; bookings were made for more than 9 out of every 10 days in 2020.
The service has evolved over time to enhance its financial sustainability. Changes have been made to route optimisation tools, contractual conditions and the type of vehicle used: 4-8 seaters were found to be most suitable.
Support from parish councils and local associations has been crucial to identifying needs, configuring services and disseminating information. Following assessment of comments, the service is revised quarterly.
Transporte a Pedido was implemented as a pilot project prior to the adoption of legislation permitting the launch of similar initiatives elsewhere in Portugal. It has subsequently been replicated in areas including the District of Coimbra.
Beneficiaries
“It’s a good solution, which was lacking in the municipality of Vila de Rei before. Many people will use it. I'm pleased with this transport service. It helps people and should be maintained in the future.”
Joaquim Marques da Eira, Transporte a Pedido user, Vila de Rei
“It’s a convenient and environmentally friendly service. It gives you peace of mind not having to drive. You make savings in your wallet and by not using your car.”
José Prates, Transporte a Pedido user, Abrantes
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Transporte a Pedido no Médio Tejo” is EUR 174 111 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 147 994 through the “Centro” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Strengthening and enhancing local areas”.