Last updated on 18th July 2023
Ursula and Martina (with the new initiative “Cidadania Ativa”) met with two Horarios do Funchal admin members, to talk about problems and new ideas, on July 4
The existing Information Painels
The old Panels (financed with the help of the EU) cannot be maintained anymore, spare parts are not available. They will be replaced with new panels. It is not yet known, when this will happen.
SMS info system
You are at a bus stop and want to know when the next bus for you will arrive? call Horarios, send an SMS with the bus stop number, get info about the upcoming buses at this stop.
This system will be re-introduced but it is not yet known when. NOS, Vodafone and MEO should participate in the communication cost but were asking for too high prices for the customers.
New HF Bus app
This is a Beta version. Passengers are asked to download it, try it out and give feedback/suggestions to Horarios.
“Desvio” Shuttle La Vie – Anadia via Tunnels/Cota 40 during Marathon etc events
One of the managers in the meeting will propose such a shuttle (electric mini-buses) but is skeptical that it will work because, during the closure of Av do Mar, the cars will also drive through the tunnels on Cota 40. There may be too much traffic there, but on the weekends, it might be ok.
Another option to traverse the City from the East would be a mini-bus shuttle from Anadia via Rua Bom Jesus to Av. Zarco. There is no respective road option to get people on the “opposite” shuttle from LaVie to the other side of town. This is a City Hall matter.
Responsible for Road blockages due to events
Contact in the City Hall for road blockages (Marathons, etc): Dept Mobilidade e Transito
Service on Call
Pssst: S. Lucia has a daytime minibus shuttle service on call (“serviço à chamada”) for elderly residents. It is only offered in S. Luzia.
“Lateral” bus connections
Most bus lines come from the outskirts of town down to the Centre. “Lateral” bus lines are scarce. The No 48 Bus Nazaré-Monte is not well used but it is a lengthy connection; it stops too many times.
There was a bus connection between Forum and Madeira Shopping along time ago but it was discontinued, due to lack of acceptance. A connection for residents from Sto. Antonio (many workers live there) to the hotel area (a lot of jobs are there) and the Forum should be established.
05 mini-bus
The 05 electric mini-bus going from the Lido to the Teleferico is a great relief to the full regular buses.
Ursula’s and Tina’s thoughts: The Government and Mayor probably do not use public transport, they have cars, even with a chauffeur. (what about eh Horarios board members? Hahahah) A bus-friendly mindset is non-existent in the Government/City Hall. A bus/bike/walking culture is not well developed on Madeira Island.
