Porto to make public transport free for children between 13 and 15

The local government believes that this is another important step in the battle against climate change

The municipal council of the Portuguese city of Porto voted unanimously on the adoption of measures which will make public transportation free for children between 13 and 15 years of age. According to the mayor of the city, Rui Moreira, extending the free transport license to 15-year-olds is vital, because this is the exact age when people create their habits. He further reiterated that this measure is part of the local administration’s “strategic thinking” regarding climate change.

The municipality also recognizes that it will need to further enhance the services provided by the public transport operating within the city, by increasing the comfort of travelers and the number of vehicles in operation. Estimates put the price for making public transportation free for 13-15-year-olds at around 1 million euros. In order to benefit from the service, children will have to be enrolled in some type of educational facility. The service will be launched at the start of the school year – in September.

The proposal did draw some ire, however, from some members of the council. They weren’t against the proposal, rather they thought it didn’t go far enough, claiming that free public transportation should be extended to everyone up to 18 years old.