According to ECO, The Green Rail Pass came into effect a month ago, with 30,000 tickets having been sold.

According to ECO, The Ministry of Infrastructure reported today that since The Green Rail Pass came into effect a month ago, 30,000 tickets have been sold. They also highlighted the dedication of CP workers and the carrier's preparation for the challenges of high speed.

“Thirty thousand passes sold in the first month represents success and the strong support behind this revolutionary measure, which aims to bring more people onto the train, make mobility accessible to all and promote territorial cohesion”, said the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, in a statement.

The Green Rail Pass came into force on 21 October 2024, at a cost of 20 euros per month, allowing travel on all CP trains, except the Alfa Pendular and urban trains already covered by intermodal passes.

For the ministry led by Miguel Pinto Luz, the success of this measure “was only possible thanks to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the CP — Comboios de Portugal workers”.

“CP is a 168-year-old company, ready to meet the challenges of the future. A company with committed professionals, prepared to enter the high-speed market in Portugal and which plays a fundamental role in creating a more cohesive, prosperous and sustainable country”, highlighted the minister.

The governor also assured that the Government is “committed to investing in the railway”.

The launch of the first tenders for the acquisition of high-speed rolling stock for CP is scheduled for January. In a hearing at the Assembly of the Republic on 7 November, Miguel Pinto Luz said that the railway transport company has already submitted its business plan to the Executive, which includes plans for high-speed trains and it is being analysed, without giving a specific number of trains to be acquired.

But he assured, as has also been publicly stated by CP, that the rail carrier “does not seek to be a monopolist” in terms of high-speed market share.

Regarding whether the annual compensation of 18.9 million euros expected for CP, for the loss of revenue from the green rail pass is sufficient, the minister added that “ due to the demand for the green rail pass, less than those 18.9 million euros will be needed ”.

Miguel Pinto Luz stressed that the study for compensation was carried out by CP and guaranteed that the company will not be penalised by the entry into force of the 20 euro pass.