Rail operator sells 30,000 ‘green passes’ in first month

Green Rail Pass is a “success,” minister says

A €20 monthly rail pass launched last month has already seen 30,000 units sold in one month, said Portugal’s Minister of Infrastructure this Thursday.

“Thirty thousand passes sold in the first month represent a success and strong take-up of a revolutionary measure, which aims to bring more people onto trains, make mobility accessible to all and promote territorial cohesion,” the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing said in a statement.

The Green Rail Pass came into force on October 21, 2024 at a cost of €20 per month, allowing travel on all CP trains except the Alfa Pendular and urban trains already covered by intermodal passes.

For the ministry led by Miguel Pinto Luz, the success of this measure “was only possible thanks to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the CP – Comboios de Portugal workers”.

“Passenger train operator CP is a 168-year-old company, ready to meet the challenges of the future. A company with committed professionals, ready to enter the High Speed market in Portugal and which plays a fundamental role in creating a more cohesive, prosperous and sustainable country,” emphasised the minister.

The minister also guaranteed that the government is “committed to investment in the railway”.

As for whether the compensation of €18.9 million per year planned for CP for the loss of revenue from the green rail pass is enough, the minister said that “given the demand for the green rail pass, it will take less than that €18.9 million”.

Miguel Pinto Luz stressed that the study for the compensation was carried out by CP and guaranteed that the company would not be penalised by the start of the €20 pass.

Source: LUSA