ridesharecompany Unir transported approximately 35 million travelers during the year 2024.
2024's Transportation Waylay in Porto: A Rough Journey for TMP Unveiled
examination of the chaos unfolding within the transport sector of Porto, particularly concerning the issue-ridden Unir network, was brought to light in a recent Porto Metropolitan Council (CmP) meeting. Here’s the scoop!
Marco Martins, TMP's president, candidly admitted during the meeting that the recorded validations on the Unir network in 2024 were far from accurate, amounting to a mere 35 million, as opposed to the actual number which was likely higher due to ticketing and coordination woes with AMP and the former Transport Intermodais do Porto group managing the Andante network.
To add insult to injury, Martins pointed out that operators' systems were out of whack, with insufficient services being registered and drivers failing to register lines operated.
Breaking down the figures, the validations in 2024 looked like this: 10.1 million in lot 1, 10.8 million in lot 2, 1.5 million in lot 3, 7.2 million in lot 4, and 1.7 million in lot 5. This translated into revenues of 9.1 million, 7.9 million, 1.7 million, 5.6 million, and 2.4 million euros, respectively, with subsequent operator remuneration totalling 14.7 million, 16.4 million, 5.8 million, 7.8 million, and 7.6 million euros.
Up until now, the Unir network has seen a noticeable surge in validations this year, with increases of 27%, 29%, 25%, 40%, and 50% in lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. But don't crack open the champagne just yet, as Martins warned about theshaky financial structure of the Andante network, riddled with unpaid dividends, questionable financial commitments, and a creaky, outdated information system that's desperately in need of a facelift.
As for revenue, it's a different story - the Andante stores are said to be hemorrhaging a whopping 1.4 million euros annually, and the uncollected commission on free titles is responsible for a hefty loss of over half a million euros in revenue each year. It's alarming stuff, folks!
With a staff of 107, including external hires, TMP's organization chart is far from the prediction of a 40-person operation initially projected. Looking ahead, TMP aims to slice the staff down to 50 by year's end, adding 12 in call-centers, and eventually expanding to 95 people by 2028.
Construction on the new TMP facilities in Antas is already in full swing, with an anticipated completion date in June. Unir bus stops at Porto's terminals will finally be installed by the end of May, although the lack of stops in 35% of municipalities still remains a stubborn, unresolved issue.
digging into the situation, we uncovered some extra tidbits:
- TMP Establishment: As of January 2025, TMP made its grand entrance on the stage of metropolitan transportation in Porto.
- Metrobus do Porto: The city's public transportation is set to receive a much-needed boost with the upcoming introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Metrobus do Porto. The system promises to streamline connectivity and efficiency, with hydrogen-powered buses set to greet passengers on the network.
- Andante Network: The Andante ticketing system, operating across the Porto metropolitan region, simplifies travel on various modes of public transport. More details about the Andante network's future plans are still forthcoming.
As for TMP, future plans will likely revolve around bolstering transportation efficiency, seamlessly integrating networks like Unir and Andante, and pouring resources into state-of-the-art infrastructure to support a rapidly growing metropolitan area.
For a more comprehensive understanding of TMP's plans and developments, followers should keep their eyes peeled for announcements from TMP or related entities. It's certain to be an interesting ride!
The incorporation of TMP in Porto, scheduled for January 2025, marks a significant step in the metropolitan transportation landscape.
The Andante Network, a ticketing system spanning the Porto metropolitan region, is set to undergo further developments, with more details expected to be revealed in due course.
Policy-and-legislation changes, political maneuvers, and general news outlets may provide valuable insights into the future direction of TMP's validations, terminals, and overall infrastructure, given the current financial challenges.
Looking ahead to 2024, the implementations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Metrobus do Porto, and the installation of Unir bus stops at Porto's terminals promise to revolutionize the city's public transportation, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly commuting solution.
