New Pico Do Arieiro Bus Routes Face Backlash

New Pico Do Arieiro Route Launched Today

According to Diário de Notícias da Madeira, the right-wing party Alternativa Democrática Nacional (ADN) party has raised objections to the new public bus route that connects Pico do Arieiro by Horários do Funchal at a fare of 3 euros per person per trip.

Questions Over Necessity And Fairness

In a public statement, ADN questioned the Regional Government's justification for this new route, asking if there are any residences in or near Pico do Areeiro that would necessitate such a service. They pointed out that other areas, particularly highland and rural regions, have a greater need for transport services to Funchal. ADN believes these areas should be prioritized to support local populations who lack adequate transportation.

O Partido ADN considera esta medida extremamente gravosa para as empresas de turismo, pois estamos perante uma concorrência desleal por parte do Governo Regional, usando meios públicos para o efeito, pago por todos nós madeirenses e portosantenses, que logicamente terá como passageiros os turistas que nos vistam, prejudicando de forma gravosa as empresas que criam postos de trabalho e pagam seus impostos, naquela que é a maior actividade económica da RAM, o Turismo.

ADN according to Diário de Notícias da Madeira

Impact On Tourism Businesses

ADN expressed concern that this new route will severely harm tourism businesses, labeling it as unfair competition from the government. They argue that using public funds for this service primarily benefits tourists, to the detriment of local tourism companies that generate employment and pay taxes in Madeira's most significant economic sector. The party warns that this sets a troubling precedent, potentially opening up other tourist routes, such as Rabaçal or Caldeirão Verde, to public transport, which could devastate businesses dependent on these routes and inadvertently encourage unguided mountain hikes.

Doubts Over Traffic Solutions

ADN also criticized the plan's effectiveness in addressing tourist traffic at Pico do Areeiro. They argue that it will worsen the problem instead. In addition to the new route, there will be another bus service from Horários do Funchal running every 15 minutes between Caminho Florestal and Pico do Areeiro for 1.20 euros. This plan assumes tourists will leave their rental cars and use the bus, but ADN doubts this will happen without banning private vehicles, including rental cars.

Other Solutions Could Come To Play

Both new bus routes are supposed to alleviate the worrisome traffic issues that got out of hand a while ago at Madeira’s highest peak. Among other suggestions, reserved parking and a mobile app for tourism have been suggested to tackle the issue.

Consultation And Consequences

ADN concluded by questioning whether the architects of this plan consulted regional businesses reliant on tourism and whether they considered the broader implications for all stakeholders, including the financial impact on the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira