Fátima Aveiro Calls for Cable Car Links Between Monte, Madalenas and Central Funchal
JPP candidate Fátima Aveiro proposed new transport options during a debate in Funchal yesterday. She suggested expanding the use of cable cars, already popular with tourists, for residents traveling between Monte and downtown. Aveiro also floated the idea of a second line linking Funchal to the Madalenas area in Santo António.
She argued that the city has long depended on cars:
In 50 years of PSD government, 40 in the city hall, I only see one type of mobility, which is the car.
She added that the municipality has not promoted “soft mobility” or “vertical mobility,” missing opportunities for alternatives inside the city.
Shuttle Buses Every 10 Minutes and Parking Hubs on the Outskirts Proposed
Alongside cable cars, Aveiro suggested a shuttle bus system running every 10 minutes through Funchal. She also called for parking hubs in surrounding neighborhoods such as São Gonçalo, São Roque and the Viveiros, to reduce traffic entering the city center.
The candidate emphasized the need for more school buses and measures to encourage public transport use among both residents and visitors. For Aveiro, limiting private cars while providing practical alternatives would be key to easing congestion.
Livre Unveils Mobility Plan Focused on Bus Priority Lanes
Today, the Livre party presented its own plan for mobility in Funchal. Headed by Marta Sofia, the proposal highlights dedicated bus lanes and intelligent traffic systems at city entrances to ensure faster travel for public transport.
The investment in public transport tickets has to result in excellent service, so that the bus becomes the fastest and most reliable option,” Sofia said in a statement.
Livre’s plan also seeks closer cooperation between the municipality, the regional government and Transportes Integrados e Intermodais da Madeira (TIIM). The party points to successful European cities, such as Lyon, as models for overcoming geographic challenges with coordinated strategies.
Park & Ride Model, Accessibility Improvements and Better Conditions for Drivers
The Livre program includes reviving the Park & Ride model, with peripheral parking connected to the center by frequent buses, and parking costs integrated into transport passes. It also prioritizes accessibility, proposing tactile and sound signage, digital panels at stops, and the removal of physical barriers to improve circulation for people with disabilities, parents and older residents.
Madeira Needs to Modernize Its Bus Fleet
Livre further calls for modernization of the bus fleet, expansion of on-demand transport in isolated areas, and better salaries and hiring incentives for drivers to ensure higher frequency of services.
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Sources:
JM-Madeira
Diário de Notícias Madeira
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