Pedro Duarte announced today that due to early work and successful meetings, the initiative could be achieved before the end of 2026 without significant delays, although a specific date has not been set.
The official, speaking during a visit to the Temporary Shelter Center Joaquim Urbano, assured there is a strong desire for the program to advance swiftly while focusing on technical aspects.
On Friday, it was reported that the official has met with the Metropolitan Transport Company to find a technological solution to record travel data.
“People understand that, although these trips are free, they incur costs. Therefore, we need to monitor and count them,” Duarte explained.
During the pre-campaign period leading up to the October local elections, Pedro Duarte pledged free transportation for all city residents, representing an annual municipal investment of around 25 million euros.
This measure, covering all transit options in the city, requires financial efforts from the municipality, funded by European programs, an increase in the tourist tax, and parking revenues from non-residents.
