President Says Traffic Growth Improves Living Conditions
The President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, has linked the 5.3% rise in daily traffic on the island’s Via Rápida in 2024 to better living standards among residents. Speaking on January 15 during a visit to Siltos Funchal, Albuquerque described the increase as a “sign of progress,” emphasizing the positive implications for families’ financial stability.
I would be concerned if we saw a significant drop in traffic. That would indicate people lack the means to afford cars, fuel, or even the use of their private vehicles.
Miguel Albuquerque, Diário de Notícias da Madeira
Albuquerque: Investments Target Better Traffic Flow
To address the growing traffic demands, Albuquerque highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects. These include the
€3 million upgrade of the Cancela interchange and the
€13 million link between Boa Nova and Assomada.
The president also outlined future plans in the region's budget, including a new Santo António interchange, additional city tunnels in Funchal, and an alternative route between Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava.
A study on car traffic in 87 global cities places the capital of Madeira as the worst case in Portugal. Drivers take longer to travel 10 kilometers than in cities like Mumbai (India) or Barcelona (Spain). The population has been 'pushed' to the periphery, which has contributed to making the fast lane increasingly slower.
Balancing Private Cars and Public Transport
Responding to suggestions of limiting car usage, Albuquerque called for balanced approaches. “Restrictions should be reasonable,” he said. While he acknowledged the right of individuals to own and use private vehicles as an achievement, he pointed to the importance of public transportation. He noted that Madeira has invested in a modern fleet of high-quality public buses as an alternative to private car travel.
Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira
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