Simplified System for Travel Subsidies
The Portuguese government has approved a new version of the Social Mobility Subsidy for regular air travel between the mainland and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The Council of Ministers has agreed on this updated plan to create a single set of rules for these subsidies. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing stated that the goal is to make the process easier, more efficient, and fairer for all eligible travelers.
Lower Fares for Residents and Students
With this new model residents of Madeira will pay 79 euros instead of 86 euros, while student fares will drop from 65 euros to 59 euros. Travel between the two regions will also have set prices: 79 euros for residents and 59 euros for students. Residents of the Azores will pay a maximum fare of 119 euros for flights to and from the mainland, reduced from 134 euros. Students from the region will now pay 89 euros instead of 99 euros.
A More Predictable Process
Previously, travelers had to pay the full fare upfront and then request a refund, which led to different reimbursement amounts. The new system eliminates this by setting fixed fare limits. The goal is to support economic growth and stronger connections between the islands and the mainland while making travel more affordable.
New Digital Platform for Easier Payments
A digital platform will be introduced to handle the subsidy, so eligible passengers will only pay the final price upfront, with the subsidy already included at the time of purchase. This change is expected to make the process easier and reduce paperwork.
The new policy also updates the rules on eligibility, particularly for non-Portuguese residents in the islands. Recent changes to the law ensure that residency, not nationality, determines who qualifies for the subsidy.
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