Faro MP, Cristóvão Norte, has been highly critical of the distribution of government funds that are supporting subsidised travel across the country.
According to the Social Democrat, speaking in parliament, "Lisbon receives €27 per passenger and the Algarve just over €2.”
Norte also criticised the travel infrastructure in the Algarve, citing buses that do not arrive, trains that do not turn up and boats that do not sail, nor does the subsidy help those who do not have access to public transport.
Last year, Norte stated that, "public transport has been abandoned for decades in the Algarve," lamenting poor service, poor quality, lack of coordination, missed schedules and obsolete machines.
"It's not a problem of this government. It has been everyone's problem, made more serious with the population growth and tourism, which has degraded the public transport service in the region. However, it has never been as bad as today, with an unprecedented reduction in the train service," said Norte in 2018.
Comments
On a touristic note, many I have met - well, ex-pats, really - are charmed by the Algarve railway, although no longer avail themselves of such charms due to the irregular service. This must, indeed, be a heavy cross to bear. :(
Public transport subsidies may be seen as a 'free' handout, but public transport is essential to low income people who need to get to school, work, or the market.
The lack of affordable transport is one of the main factors driving people out of villages and small towns, into the overcrowded cities.
So I say good on Cristóvão Norte for sticking up for his constituency, and pointing out this neglect from Lisbon.