On Middle Tagus (the region that includes municipalities such as Mação, Vila de Rei, Sertã, Tomar, Abrantes, Torres Novas, etc.), a different kind of public transport system has been created. Buses don't always run at certain times, but there are still set routes, stops and timetables. But the buses - which are actually cabs - only go if people make a reservation via a free phone number.
This concept of On-Demand Transportation began to be tested in 2013 in Mação and has since been extended geographically to other municipalities in the Médio Tejo region. Apparently a success. Previously isolated villages and towns that could only be reached by car are now connected by public transport. And the prices are low - from 1.20 to 3.80 euros, depending on the kilometers of travel.
This same idea of "transportation on demand" is being tested in Lisbon. It's called XBUS and it started operating this week in the parishes of Avenidas Novas, Campolide and São Domingos de Benfica. This pilot project is approximately delimited by the area to the south of Avenida Álvaro Pais and Avenida das Forças Armadas and to the north of Avenida Duque de Ávila; and between the axis of Avenida José Malhoa/Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar and Rua Dona Filipa de Vilhena / Rua do Arco do Cego.
Customers will be able to choose their origin and destination stops on the map available via the XBUS app by CARRIS (iOS/Android). The XBUS app informs the customer of waiting and travel times, allowing them to follow the bus in real time. When the bus arrives at the location, the app notifies the passenger and follows the route indicated. Using algorithms, the system indicates to the driver the fastest route to follow and which passenger to pick up.
XBUS is available on weekdays from 8am to 8pm. The fares applied are those already in force on Carris' regular and neighborhood routes, whether you buy a ticket on board or use the Navegante pass. Payment is made by validating the ticket inside the bus. The timetable and number of vehicles allocated to this project may be adjusted during the tests.
The XBUS initiative is being developed as part of the C-STREETS European Project, with financial support from the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility. You can find out more about XBUS on the website xbus.carris.pt.
