Based on figures from Carris, Lusa News Agency explained that currently nine percent of the company’s 622 buses are aged between 16 and 18 years, which is the maximum age limit for a bus. Portuguese transport secretary, Sérgio Silva Monteiro explained recently that the semi-privatisation of Carris and its underground partner Metro de Lisboa should be concluded by late July, following an international call for tenders that is to be launched later this month.
This will last 10 years, after which time the companies are to return to state control.
Meanwhile, Carris, and its underground train partner Metro de Lisboa, have said the sustainability of the companies is possible without reducing the quality of the services or raising fares, but acknowledged that their future may depend on introducing measures to readjust staff numbers.