The CP Workers’ Commission (CT) considered that the 20 euro monthly rail pass would be a financial disaster for the transport company and show the lack of capacity to respond to the increase in demand.
In a statement sent to the press the CT of Comboios de Portugal
To give you an idea of the financial impact of this National Pass, 20 euros is less than a 2nd class ticket on an Intercidades train from Lisbon to Coimbra (21.3 euros in 2nd class; 26.85 euros in 1st class).
Concerns Over Increased Demand
The workers’ representatives believe that the decision will lead to a financial disaster. They also pointed out that the measure announced last week by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro will increase demand. This, they argue, will clearly demonstrate that CP lacks the capacity to meet this demand, and the infrastructure is on the brink of collapse.
Furthermore, the CT also highlighted that currently, CP is unable to hire the workers necessary to ensure compliance with the public service contract with the State. They said that CP is waiting months for essential authorizations from the supervisory authorities to guarantee the service.
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Issues with Current Operations
Additionally, the CT considered that the new rail pass constitutes yet another gross violation of the public service contract. This contract stipulates that the carrier should receive financial compensation for fulfilling its obligations.
It also allows the State to modify public service parameters, but only with advance notice to the company. This notice is essential so that the company can conduct an operational feasibility study and assess the impact on compensation. The Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT) must carry out this study.
The CT said that.
From what we have found, this was not done, neither by this Government with the announced National Pass, nor by the previous one with the Regional Pass.
Suggestions for Improvement
Workers’ representatives suggested that one way to boost rail transport is by declaring public interest in the €800 million tender for purchasing 117 urban and regional trains. This tender has been stalled in the courts for almost 10 months. The CT stressed:
These trains are essential to improving the urban service offering, including on the Cascais Line where the conversion works are progressing, with the risk that when they are finished there will be no trains to run there.
Last week. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced a 20-euro monthly rail pass at the Festa do Pontal in Quarteira, Faro district. This pass will provide access to all urban, regional, inter-regional, and intercity trains. The announcement took place during the Political Rentrée event of PSD.
The Prime Minister said the pass includes a mobility subsidy plan. This plan will be approved, to facilitate the use of sustainable means of transport that do not cause environmental problems. The Government has not yet provided further details, such as whether it will compensate CP for the loss of revenue due to this measure when it will come into force, and how tickets will be managed.
