The Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT) has imposed fines for “violating passenger duties, which include the use of sound devices” in public transportation, noting that “using sound devices or causing noise that disturbs other passengers is a breach of conduct.”
These details were discussed on Sunday, indicating that the authority did not specify the exact circumstances under which passengers were fined. However, the fines were issued alongside railway operators, as the AMT lacks jurisdiction over road, maritime, and river transportation.
The AMT reported receiving 121 complaints through email, the Complaint Book, and the Electronic Complaint Book described as “Lack of urbanity/aggressiveness of passengers,” which included annoying mobile phone use, last year. Nonetheless, this represents a small portion of the total 29,000 complaints received.
The authority emphasized that “passenger civility is one of the factors contributing to a positive public transport experience,” adding that “the use of mobile phones on loudspeaker should be subject to monitoring, but also to campaigns promoting their appropriate and civilized use.” Therefore, it has recommended that operators “adopt necessary measures to address the issue.”
The publication reached out to various passenger transport companies, with CP mentioning that the option of implementing “quiet carriages” is currently “under consideration.”
According to Decree-Law No. 9/2015, the use of sound devices or disturbing noise can result in fines ranging from 50 euros to 250 euros.
Notícias ao Minuto contacted the AMT but has yet to receive a response.
