The measure only covers road transport, with rail passes being left out.
The West region moves forward with a pioneering measure in 2025: the implementation of a free regional pass for road transport, benefiting the 365 thousand inhabitants of the 12 municipalities that make up the Intermunicipal Community of the West (OesteCIM). This initiative marks the first experience of its kind in the country.
The M Pass will allow unlimited trips within the region, covering the three main road operators: Rodoviária do Oeste, Barraqueiro Oeste and Boa Viagem. Furthermore, combined passes with the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) will have a significant reduction, going from the current 70 to 80 euros to 40 euros per month, explains .
However, challenges remain. Connections between the West region and AML remain limited, with passes only covering the Metro and Carris within the administrative limits of Lisbon. This forces students and workers to purchase two passes, which brings the monthly cost to 110 euros.
Free admission also applies to those under 23, even on combined passes with other regions. The measure has an expected cost of 13 million euros annually in compensation to operators, who, in return, will increase the supply of services due to the expected increase in demand.
Another innovation is the flexibility of the M Pass model, similar to the Navegante Metropolitano, allowing users to freely choose routes within the region. On inter-regional routes with intermediate stops, free travel will only be guaranteed on sections within the West.
OesteCIM also has plans to acquire 51% of Rodoviária do Oesteaiming to reinforce the supply of public transport. Final approval is pending from the Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT).
Despite the scope of the road measure, the rail service was left out. Although there is a R$20 Green Rail Pass, problems such as the obsolescence of rolling stock and delays in works continue to penalize competitiveness compared to road transport.
