Yesterday, newspaper DIÁRIO highlighted the general public’s complaints about interurban public transport.
When travelling on public transport, most people complain of long queues, delays and overcrowded buses. A situation that faces thousands of Madeiran workers and students daily.
Despite a revamped fleet and system, the new Siga network runs into long-standing problems — driver shortages, crowded buses that leave passengers further down the line in jeopardy of being left behind, and schedules that fail without warning. Between elderly people who travel for free, workers who struggle to arrive on time, and a system that admits flaws but does not reveal numbers, this is the true picture of a public transport system that still cannot keep up with the pace of life of those who depend on it.
As one worker said, “We have to work, and we have to be there on time.”
A public transport situation that adds to the daily grind of so many Madeiran workers and students. This is made slightly worse as the new buses no longer have the 3-seat/2-seat configuration, creating a further shortage of available seating.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
