As of the 1st of July, the new road passenger transport concessions in Madeira and Porto Santo will begin the transition period for the new GIRO-integrated ticketing system, which will allow its use on all SIGA network transport.
“In this way, a gradual transition of transport tickets is planned, and priorities have been defined in the exchange of transport ticket holders, to help prevent massive queues from forming outside ticket offices.”
Thus, the first customers to change over to the new system are those who have paid for their intercity passes (not free), with or without a combined vignette, of the interurban routes, Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo, SAM, Empresa de Automóveis do Caniço (EACL), Rodoeste and Carreira n.º 81 – Curral das Freiras, Horários do Funchal. These customers should go now visit their local kiosks to request the forms for their new passes. These were made available as of today, the 5th of June.
Please note, that only customers who fit into the above category are allowed to exchange their tickets.
Those customers holding free passes (under-23 and over 65) will be able, during this time be able to continue to travel on all public transport systems in Madeira and Porto Santo on their current bus passes.
As for customers holding the remaining paid passes, they must renew their monthly pass, within the time and manner in which they have always done.
The procedure for exchanging the current pass for the new GIRO Card is as follows:
– Collection of a specific form for this purpose, at the store where the pass is usually loaded;
– Filling out the form, attaching an updated passport-size photo;
– Delivery of the Form to the store where the pass is usually loaded, paying the value of the title/card holder at that time;
– Pick up the new GIRO Card at the store indicated on the form, with the possibility of being able to top up the month.
In the case of passengers on the island of Porto Santo, a solution is being prepared to be disclosed in due course, and full use of public transport is ensured from the 1st of July.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
