During the council session, Porto Mayor, Rui Moreira, justified this decision by saying “at these ages, habits are born and changed”.

He spoke of it being a fundamental measure related to mobility and climate change.

However, he assumed that it would be necessary to improve supply and comfort.

The intention to offer free public transport to all 13 – 15-year olds who go to schools within the city was announced in February.

It will mean an investment of about €1 million and should come into force at the beginning of the next school year, in September.

While praising this attempt to increase the use of the public transport system, social-democrat, Francisco Carrapatoso, thought that the measure should be widened to include all young people up to the age of 18.