This position was expressed by the leader of the communist faction in statements to journalists at parliament, criticizing the cancellation of routes and “various irregularities in the provision of public river transport services.”
“The PCP has long advocated for substantial investment, particularly in public river transport offerings, to ensure more routes and schedules are available, not only to increase supply but also to improve mobility for populations between the two banks of the Tagus River,” stated Paulo Santos.
However, Paulo Santos noted that this has not been the government’s strategy.
“It has even reached the absurd situation where new electric ships are arriving, yet many are non-operational – a situation that is truly perplexing. The reality is that numerous challenges and constraints continue for users today. New ships are arriving, yet cancellations and difficulties persist,” he accused.
Paula Santos also expressed surprise that, despite the arrival of new ships, “there was a recent change in schedules, increasing the time between routes.”
She further noted an increase in time between routes even during “rush hour, the time when it is most used for commuting between home and work or for students between home and school,” she added.
Before journalists, Paula Santos also pointed out that along the banks of the Tagus River, “there is overcrowding of the rail transport connection between the southern shores and Lisbon.”
“Investment in rail transport is also necessary, obviously, but we are talking about an incomprehensible situation in water transport that demands responses. Users cannot continue to be disadvantaged and demand reliable public responses with quality,” she added.
