Between January and June, 54,018 inter-regional passes were sold in 2024 compared to 65,990 this year, reflecting an increase of over 22%, data from OesteCIM revealed.
“This increase compared to 2024 demonstrates a greater adoption of inter-regional mobility between the Oeste and the Lisbon Metropolitan Area [AML], indicating the growing utility and attractiveness of this transport solution,” explained the intermunicipal community.
Earlier this year, OesteCIM reduced the price of inter-regional passes from 80 or 70 euros (depending on the distance of the municipalities) to 40 euros, aligning them with collective transportation tickets in the AML, while keeping them free for youth up to 23 years old and for those over 65.
“Reducing the price of the inter-regional pass to 40 euros significantly boosted demand from commuters traveling daily between the Oeste municipalities and the AML,” they added.
In response to this growth, OesteCIM, in collaboration with bus operators and AML authorities, “enhanced service in various inter-regional connections.”
The enhancement “primarily resulted in increased frequency of travel during peak demand times to and from Lisbon,” stated OesteCIM.
To meet demand, the Oeste Intermunicipal Community plans to continue investing in “increasing frequency and adapting schedules to users’ real needs.”
Since the beginning of the year, “operational difficulties were identified in some border areas between the Oeste Intermunicipal Community and the AML, due to the complexity of coordinating services across different administrative areas and operators,” particularly issues related to pass access and usage rules.
However, most issues have been resolved, and the remaining ones are “in the process of final resolution.”
One persistent issue reported by several users is the inability to load the monthly pass to Lisbon via ATM, requiring it to be done on buses or at bus terminal ticket counters.
“OesteCIM is studying a technological solution to simplify pass acquisition. This process aims to modernize the ticketing system and significantly improve the user experience,” clarified the intermunicipal community.
The Oeste region includes the municipalities of Alcobaça, Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, Peniche, Bombarral (Leiria district), Lourinhã, Cadaval, Torres Vedras, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Alenquer, and Arruda dos Vinhos (Lisbon district).
