Initiated by CCDR Alentejo in cooperation with local authorities, the pilot initially covered five municipalities: Reguengos de Monsaraz, Moura, Beja, Mértola and Odemira. Its objective was to improve accessibility in places where regular public transport is unavailable or insufficient. The model combines regional coordination with municipal implementation and service delivery by local transport operators, including taxi companies.
The basic principle is straightforward: vehicles operate when there is actual passenger demand. Journeys can be booked in advance by telephone, while a central regional platform manages bookings, routes and optimisation. Telephone booking is particularly important for older residents and people facing digital exclusion. Using local carriers and taxis also allows existing local transport capacity to become part of the solution.
A particularly important feature is that demand-responsive transport is designed to complement rather than replace existing public transport. This makes it possible to improve connections to larger towns, healthcare, public services and transport hubs while avoiding unnecessary vehicle kilometres in areas with very low demand.
The experience also highlights challenges. Low and dispersed demand makes economic efficiency difficult, continuous public funding is required, and advance booking reduces travel spontaneity. Coordination between several municipalities and operators, reliable booking technology and continuous information for residents are equally important.
For GO4FAIR MOVE, Transporte a Pedido is especially relevant because the pilot operates under conditions similar to those faced by many rural and peripheral territories. Its combination of a shared booking system, local transport providers, demand-based operation and integration with conventional public transport provides valuable inspiration for the project’s pilot areas. The approach also demonstrates the value of starting with a pilot, evaluating actual demand and costs, and gradually expanding the system based on the results.