Increase in Tarriffs & New Bus Numbering System

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

Public transport tickets in Madeira will increase by 50 cents, while individual tickets will cost 5 cents more.

Regional public transport routes will now comprise three digits, in a measure to unify the bus numbering system and avoid different operators using the same numbers, confirms a statement by TIIM – Transporte Integrados Intermodais da Madeira, SA, advising that bus timetables and itineraries remain unchanged.

The Region’s bus service is moving forward with its modernisation. The first major change occurred in July 2024 through the SIGA system. This new phase aims to unify the transport network by introducing a sequential numbering system for routes, shared by all operators across the archipelago.

Until now, the coexistence of different companies, such as Companhia de Autocarros da Madeira (CAM), Horários do Funchal (HF), and SIGA Rodoeste, has led to overlapping of bus numbers that can confuse passengers.

A practical example of this ambiguity was the existence of several “number 7 routes”: one connecting to Ribeira Brava (Rodoeste) and another to Travessa do Pomar (HF). With this update, each route now has a unique number consisting of three digits, eliminating repetitions and simplifying the experience of those travelling between different municipalities.

The change is mainly numerical. There are no changes to the itineraries or the usual schedules. The bus will continue to run in the same places and at the same times.

The implementation will be done progressively. At an initial stage, the new numbering will be visible in digital media, such as vehicle information panels and official websites. Subsequently, the update will reach the physical media, namely the signage and information posted at the stops. To facilitate the transition and avoid failures in the users’ routine, the new numbering grid can be consulted at: https://siga.madeira.gov.pt/noticias/show/2069 or through information leaflets available at the Operators’ points of sale and service. The website is available in Portuguese and English.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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