Hundreds of “Environmental Fines” were issued to drivers in the municipalities covered by the Ave Mobilidade, Linhas do Tâmega e Sousa, and Aveirobus services. Until September 22, inclusive, those who received one of these “fines” can use it as a voucher for a free round-trip bus journey, according to a press release.
According to the same source, as part of European Mobility Week, Transdev Portugal launched a marketing initiative that turns “fines” into free bus trips, inviting drivers to try a more sustainable and affordable alternative to private cars.
Last week, hundreds of “Environmental Fines” were placed on vehicles parked in the municipalities covered by the initiative. Instead of a penalty, each “fine” functions as a voucher for a free round-trip journey on the services operated by Transdev and, in the case of Ave Mobilidade, also by its partner Auto Viação Landim.
The campaign forms part of the 25th edition of European Mobility Week, this year dedicated to the theme “Intergenerational Equity,” and aims to encourage the use of public transport, while reinforcing the importance of coordination between operators, municipalities and other local entities in promoting more sustainable mobility solutions that are closer to the populations.
Sérgio Soares, CEO of Transdev Portugal, states: “This initiative aims to challenge behaviours and place public transport at the centre of mobility choices. We believe that the transition to more sustainable mobility models requires a coordinated action between operators, municipalities and authorities, capable of meeting the needs of the populations and contributing to mobility that is more efficient, accessible and environmentally responsible.”
A “Fine” Worth a Round-Trip Journey
To take advantage of the offer, simply hand the “Environmental Fine” to the driver when boarding the bus. The voucher can be used until 22 September, inclusive, on the services covered by the campaign operated by Transdev.
According to the latest reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA), transport is responsible for about 29% of direct carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union and about 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport accounts for 71.7% of the sector’s emissions, with private cars responsible for 60.6% of road transport emissions.
In this context, promoting public transport plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of commuting. With the Environmental Fine, Transdev seeks to transform an unexpected approach to motorists into a concrete invitation to try public transport and rethink daily mobility choices.
