Porto reduces tourism transport carbon footprint

In order to encourage greater and better mobility as well as a sustainable environment, tourism transport regulation in Porto has entry into force today, making Porto the first city in the country to provide a regulatory framework and basis for new policy commitments in this area.

The new tourism traffic regulations apply to vehicle circulation, parking and stopping, use of special infrastructure, the number of hop-on-hop-off buses, tuk-tuks and mini trains on the road. The investment in clean vehicles is mandatory.

According to the Mayor, Rui Moreira, this regulatory framework "represents the end of a long process, including two public policy discussions and a strong citizen involvement", and this regulation "not only guarantees public interest but also safeguards the private sector".

"We want operators working, they carry out a relevant service to the city and it is an activity that creates jobs in Porto", the Mayor added, saying that "it is crucial that this is a regulated and organised activity so that everyone can find a better life in the city".

"To doing that there are already new rules that are being implemented and monitored and results will be seen by the end of summer, we shall also have a clearer and more detailed view of how things are to work" Rui Moreira affirmed.

The initial reluctance of operators to deal with the new mandatory rules has been resolved.

Regulation also focus on environmental issues, so operators are to invest in clean and energy efficient vehicles. "Touristic buses will have ten years in which to comply with the new regulation whereas tuk-tuks will have five years to renew their fleet. Operators wishing to enter into the Portuguese market can only do that by using a 100% electric vehicle fleet", Councilwoman for Mobility stated.

In the framework of the regulation, tourism transport operates from 8 am to 8 pm.