A Bolt has joined the efforts to encourage blood donation in Portugal by offering discounts to customers traveling in the cities of Lisbon and Porto.
The initiative follows an alert from the Portuguese Federation of Voluntary Blood Donors (FEPODABES), which reported particularly low levels of O+ blood in hospitals last week. The organization called on the public, especially younger generations, to help bolster national reserves.
In response, Bolt decided to take action. From November 17 to 21, the platform will offer discounted rides to and from major blood donation centers, making it easier for citizens to participate.
“At a time when blood reserves are low, every donation counts. We hope this small gesture can help remove practical barriers for those who want to donate and, thus, contribute to saving lives,” said Mário de Morais, Bolt’s General Manager in Portugal, in a statement sent this Monday, March 17, to Notícias ao Minuto.
The Portuguese Federation of Voluntary Blood Donors (FEPODABES) today reiterated their appeal to the population to donate blood to address below-normal reserve levels in hospitals, particularly O+ blood.
Lusa | 07:30 – 11/11/2025
Discounted rides will be available in Lisbon and Porto for trips to and from the Portuguese Oncology Institutes (IPO) and the Blood and Transplantation Centers in both cities during donation hours.
According to the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation, the number of blood donors in Portugal continues to decrease, with 10,000 fewer donors recorded in 2024 compared to 2017. The Federation warns that without an increase in donations, hospitals could face a critical shortage in the coming months.
