Complaints against Carris have surged by over 70% during the first five months of 2025 compared to the final five months of the previous year, as reported by the Portal da Queixa. Delays and schedule non-compliance accounted for 38% of consumer grievances.
Data indicates a consistent monthly rise in complaints since the start of the year, showing a 162% increase in May compared to January.
This significant increase comes amidst a week when the Lisbon-based transport operator is observing a strike, with partial stoppages expected to conclude by Friday.
The company, responsible for the city’s public road transport as well as trams and street elevators, has also called for a full strike on June 12, the day before Saint Anthony’s Day. The workers are demanding higher wages and a reduction in the working hours from 40 to 35 per week.
While delays and scheduling issues are the main reasons for complaints (38%), there are also reports of misconduct and inappropriate behavior by drivers (19.3%), highlighting disrespectful attitudes, lack of courtesy, or improper conduct by Carris staff.
Service quality issues account for 16.6% of complaints. These include discomfort, overcrowding, low frequency, or overall dissatisfaction with the transport experience, as mentioned in a note from Portal da Queixa to Notícias ao Minuto. Problems related to billing and payment were noted in 12% of the complaints.
Technical failures in vehicles and lack of information and communication have also been recorded as issues.
Regarding consumer demographics, it is noted that the majority of complaints are filed by women (55.8%), particularly those aged between 25 and 34, who represent 30% of this year’s complaints.
