Porto’s decision to make public transport free for its residents has attracted far more interest than expected. Just days after the program launched, municipal service offices were flooded with people applying for the resident card required to access the benefit.

Since last Friday, free travel has been available to everyone registered as a taxpayer in Porto. Students living in the city also qualify, even if their official address is in another municipality. To use the scheme, residents must obtain the Cartão Porto, the city’s official resident card.

Demand has been so high that, at the beginning of the week, more than a hundred people were reportedly waiting outside a municipal office. Long queues led to occasional arguments, while most applicants were elderly residents and immigrants who preferred to apply in person rather than online.

Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte said the overwhelming response is a positive sign, showing that the initiative meets a real need. Municipal staff are currently working overtime to process applications as quickly as possible.
City officials, however, stress that there is no need to rush. Applications can be submitted online at any time, and the free transport program is permanent rather than a limited-time offer. Those looking to avoid long waits are encouraged to apply online and simply wait for their card to be issued.