The Transportes Metropolitanos e Lisboa (TML), responsible for Carris Metropolitana, announced today that the first bus routes to implement a new contactless payment system began trials on July 23. These routes include 1624 (Cascais Terminal to Portela de Sintra North Station), 2769 (Lisbon Campo Grande to Santo António dos Cavaleiros via Cidade Nova), and 3001 (Almada Cristo Rei to Cacilhas Terminal).
The new payment option was introduced on Wednesday during a symbolic journey on route 1624, from Cascais Terminal to Portela de Sintra, passing through Azoia and Almoçageme.
The event was attended by Carlos Humberto de Carvalho, the first metropolitan secretary of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML), TML administrator Rui Lopo, Cascais Deputy Mayor Nuno Piteira Lopes, and SIBS executive Teresa Mesquita.
As of Wednesday, Tap&Ride service is also available on routes 1633 (Ericeira Terminal to Portela de Sintra North Station), 2727 (Estação Oriente to Loures via Unhos), and 3701 (Almada Private Hospital to Algés Terminal).
The expansion to additional routes will continue “gradually over the coming months,” with weekly activations planned.
“We are building a more modern and intelligent mobility system where technology enhances the passenger experience. This new feature aligns with our strategy of adopting digital solutions to simplify and promote public transportation use,” explained Rui Lopo.
The new option allows passengers to use contactless bank cards to pay bus fares directly, similar to the system on the Lisbon Metro, offering a practical and quick alternative without needing cash or pre-purchased tickets.
“Simplifying life through easy, fast, and secure payments is part of SIBS’s DNA. This project embodies that mission, allowing passengers to travel on Carris Metropolitana easily and immediately, using just a card without recharging,” said Teresa Mesquita.
Since June 1, 2022, Carris Metropolitana has operated across four areas managed by different private operators, covering 15 municipalities in the AML that delegated authority to Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa.
Area 1 encompasses the municipalities of Amadora, Oeiras, and Sintra with Viação Alvorada as the operator. Area 2, managed by Rodoviária de Lisboa, includes Loures, Mafra, Odivelas, and Vila Franca de Xira.
Area 3 covers Almada, Seixal, and Sesimbra, operated by Transportes Sul do Tejo, while Area 4 is managed by Alsa Todi.
In addition to servicing these areas, Carris Metropolitana provides connections to municipalities that maintain their transport systems: Barreiro (TBC), Cascais (MobiCascais), and Lisbon (Carris), thus integrating connections to Barreiro, Cascais, and Lisbon across all operational areas.
