MUSA – Sustainable and Accessible Urban Mobility

Objectives:  

The main objective of this project is to implement a renewal of Horários do Funchal's urban fleet to ensure greater energy efficiency of the mobility system in Funchal and greater accessibility for residents and tourists.   The acquisition of "clean" buses falls within the mission of the public road passenger transport service in the RAM, in accordance with PIETRAM, PAMUS RAM, and CompromissoMadeira@2020. The MUSA RL project is part of the PIETRAM strategy (Integrated Strategic Transport Plan of the Autonomous Region of Madeira 2014-2020), linked to the following objectives:  

2.4.8. Creation of accessibility conditions for all to the public transport system of the RAM. All buses to be acquired in this operation will be wheelchair accessible and low-floor, facilitating access for the population with reduced mobility;

3.2.3 Implementation of awareness campaigns. The fleet renewal associated with the operation's communication plan will result in awareness-raising activities for residents and tourists to use public transport instead of private vehicles;

4.1.1 Renewal of the road public transport fleet. In this operation, Horários do Funchal will acquire 30 "clean" buses, considering energy efficiency criteria.   The MUSA RL project also aligns with the strategy of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Action Plan of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (PAMUSRAM), according to the following strategic objectives:  

Promote low-carbon transport solutions. Prioritizing public transport over individual vehicles promotes a reduction in pollutant emissions. In this operation, the proposed fleet will result in a significant reduction in consumption compared to the fleet prior to the operation.

Promote the use of the public transport system. Public transport promotion also involves the comfort and attractiveness of the buses, which will be guaranteed through fleet renewal.

Contribute to more inclusive mobility. All buses to be acquired will be wheelchair accessible and feature low-floor entries.   Finally, this Project also fits into the strategy of the Regional Economic and Social Development Plan for the period 2014, known as CompromissoMadeira@2020, specifically in the Thematic Priority – Sustainable Development, within the transport pillar:  

Reduce negative externalities of the land transport sector. Renewing the fleet with less polluting buses will reduce negative externalities through lower consumption and higher expected attractiveness of public transport;

Reduce the consumption of primary natural resources. Electric minibuses have no fossil fuel consumption and noise is significantly reduced, increasing air quality in downtown Funchal. Diesel buses have a reduction in fossil fuel consumption compared to the current fleet, leading to better air quality. The wear of the current fleet causes significant noise that will be combated with the new buses;

Maintain the sustainability of the regional collective public transport sector. Fleet renewal is essential as it reduces maintenance costs and boosts public transport usage, leading to increased revenue;

Promote the use of public transport. Fleet renewal ensures greater interior comfort and a better image for non-users;

Guarantee accessibility to public transport. New buses will have low-floor entries and wheelchair access;

Mobility monitoring and management. New buses will be equipped with technology allowing for easier and more efficient interconnection with driving monitoring systems, as well as fleet and ticketing systems, making the entire transport service management more efficient.  


Useful Links:  

PO Madeira 14-20:
https://www.idr.madeira.gov.pt/m1420/

Institute for Regional Development:
http://www.idr.madeira.gov.pt/

Autonomous Region of Madeira - Regional Government:
https://www.madeira.gov.pt/