Easy access network
STCP has the largest fleet of accessible urban buses in Portugal, offering its customers a complete network of routes with buses equipped with ramps and reserved spaces for wheelchairs or strollers.
Rules of use
1. Wheelchairs can travel on buses identified with the universal accessibility symbol, as only these have seat belts and reserved seats.
2. For safety reasons, only one wheelchair or open stroller may travel per bus. With the baby in your arms, the stroller must be closed and placed in the trunk.
3. Passengers using wheelchairs and strollers must enter and exit through the front door. The wheelchair ramp is manual and can be opened by a passenger, companion, or our driver. Wheelchairs take precedence over strollers. Therefore, if the reserved seat is occupied by a stroller, and a passenger in a wheelchair enters, the seat must be relinquished, the stroller closed, placed in the trunk, and the reserved seat occupied.
4. On buses with an automatic wheelchair ramp, indicated by the accessibility sticker next to the rear door, boarding is done through the rear door. Always ensure that the driver acknowledges your intention to board or exit by pressing the designated button—STOP or Ramp Request. Upon boarding, to activate the ramp, press the blue button marked next to the rear door. To exit, press the blue button next to the reserved wheelchair space. The ramp will extend out of the platform and onto the curb at the same time as the doors open.
5. If the bus's ramp is broken, please wait for the next one and thank you in advance for your understanding. We have procedures in place to prevent this from happening, but the ramp can break down while in service.
6. Seats are reserved and marked for disabled, sick or elderly passengers and pregnant women or women carrying children on their laps, four seats corresponding to the first benches.
7. Any passenger may occupy these seats when they are vacant, but they are obliged to give them up as soon as passengers meet the conditions referred to appear.
2. For safety reasons, only one wheelchair or open stroller may travel per bus. With the baby in your arms, the stroller must be closed and placed in the trunk.
3. Passengers using wheelchairs and strollers must enter and exit through the front door. The wheelchair ramp is manual and can be opened by a passenger, companion, or our driver. Wheelchairs take precedence over strollers. Therefore, if the reserved seat is occupied by a stroller, and a passenger in a wheelchair enters, the seat must be relinquished, the stroller closed, placed in the trunk, and the reserved seat occupied.
4. On buses with an automatic wheelchair ramp, indicated by the accessibility sticker next to the rear door, boarding is done through the rear door. Always ensure that the driver acknowledges your intention to board or exit by pressing the designated button—STOP or Ramp Request. Upon boarding, to activate the ramp, press the blue button marked next to the rear door. To exit, press the blue button next to the reserved wheelchair space. The ramp will extend out of the platform and onto the curb at the same time as the doors open.
5. If the bus's ramp is broken, please wait for the next one and thank you in advance for your understanding. We have procedures in place to prevent this from happening, but the ramp can break down while in service.
6. Seats are reserved and marked for disabled, sick or elderly passengers and pregnant women or women carrying children on their laps, four seats corresponding to the first benches.
7. Any passenger may occupy these seats when they are vacant, but they are obliged to give them up as soon as passengers meet the conditions referred to appear.
1. Persons with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by assistance dogs, as per Decree-Law No. 74/2007 of March 27, at no additional cost. This right cannot be exercised if the animal displays obvious signs of illness, aggression, poor hygiene, or any other abnormal characteristic likely to give rise to well-founded fears for the safety and physical integrity of people or animals, or if it behaves in a way that disrupts the normal operation of transportation. Assistance dogs are exempt from wearing a functional muzzle or a container collar and may be identified by a dedicated card or badge issued by a training establishment. They must also carry civil liability insurance for damages caused to third parties.
2. Except for reasons of danger, health, or hygiene, pets may be transported, provided they are properly accompanied and restrained, in accordance with the law. Therefore, the transportation of dogs, cats, small rodents, small birds, small reptiles, and aquarium fish is authorized, provided they are in good health (i.e., they do not show obvious signs of contagious or parasitic disease), are transported in clean, well-maintained containers that allow for ventilation and oxygenation, and are accompanied by their owner. Dangerous or potentially dangerous animals may not be transported on public transportation.
3. The container must be transported safely, ensuring it does not disturb other passengers and never takes up space. Transport containers in which animals are transported must be constructed of durable material that prevents animals from escaping, is washable, easy to disinfect, and watertight, to prevent contamination of the transport vehicle and ensure the safety of other passengers.
4. Transporting animals is free of charge.
5. Given the characteristics of STCP vehicles and the fact that they frequently operate in very crowded conditions with many standing passengers, the presence of animal containers may be limited whenever their fit in the vehicle—especially if the vehicle is smaller—is at risk, as is the movement of passengers, and the safety of both the passengers and the animal. Transport containers must be placed in designated luggage areas or on the floor of the vehicle, where they do not obstruct passenger movement. They are not permitted in the aisles or, under any circumstances, on passenger seats.
2. Except for reasons of danger, health, or hygiene, pets may be transported, provided they are properly accompanied and restrained, in accordance with the law. Therefore, the transportation of dogs, cats, small rodents, small birds, small reptiles, and aquarium fish is authorized, provided they are in good health (i.e., they do not show obvious signs of contagious or parasitic disease), are transported in clean, well-maintained containers that allow for ventilation and oxygenation, and are accompanied by their owner. Dangerous or potentially dangerous animals may not be transported on public transportation.
3. The container must be transported safely, ensuring it does not disturb other passengers and never takes up space. Transport containers in which animals are transported must be constructed of durable material that prevents animals from escaping, is washable, easy to disinfect, and watertight, to prevent contamination of the transport vehicle and ensure the safety of other passengers.
4. Transporting animals is free of charge.
5. Given the characteristics of STCP vehicles and the fact that they frequently operate in very crowded conditions with many standing passengers, the presence of animal containers may be limited whenever their fit in the vehicle—especially if the vehicle is smaller—is at risk, as is the movement of passengers, and the safety of both the passengers and the animal. Transport containers must be placed in designated luggage areas or on the floor of the vehicle, where they do not obstruct passenger movement. They are not permitted in the aisles or, under any circumstances, on passenger seats.
Accessibility policy
STCP's policy and practice focuses on promoting social inclusion and accessibility for all, offering accessible information to its customers with special needs and developing cooperation with local authorities and other stakeholders responsible for the public spaces where it operates. The company has already achieved the goal of having an accessible network comprised of 100% of vehicles with low floors and 66% with ramps.
In July 2007, shortly after its network was reorganized on January 1, STCP introduced the Easy Access Network, which currently covers the 69 lines operating STCP buses, 31 of which are wheelchair accessible, as 73% of the buses are equipped with automatic ramps and reserved seating with seatbelts for wheelchairs. This bus network complements the metro and train networks, maximizing mobility.
The Easy Access Network is properly identified and has been publicized to encourage mobility for people who do not normally rely on public transportation.
Currently, this network covers 100% of the bus routes operated by STCP, with only the historic tram lines now excluded. It's worth noting that the ongoing fleet renewal includes easier access for wheelchairs and strollers, as one of the company's goals is to increase mobility for all.
The Easy Access Network is properly identified and has been publicized to encourage mobility for people who do not normally rely on public transportation.
Currently, this network covers 100% of the bus routes operated by STCP, with only the historic tram lines now excluded. It's worth noting that the ongoing fleet renewal includes easier access for wheelchairs and strollers, as one of the company's goals is to increase mobility for all.
All STCP buses have audiovisual information, indicating destination, line number, and next stop. Light signals and electronic displays are also integrated into the bus's operation. With this information system, blind, partially sighted, and deaf people can easily navigate and travel with peace of mind, just like any other citizen.
Sound and visual aids implemented by STCP on its network and consequently on its vehicles:
Sound aids:
Visual aids:
Sound and visual aids implemented by STCP on its network and consequently on its vehicles:
Sound aids:
- Line and destination
- Next stop
- Validation
- Door lock
- Stop sign
- Ramp activation
Visual aids:
- Line and destination
- Next stop
- Messages
- Information at bus stops
STCP involved entities representing citizens with special mobility needs in the creation of this network:
- ACAPO: Braille information publishing and driver training.
- Metropolitan Ombudsman for Citizens with Disabilities: publishing information in Braille and training drivers.
- CPUC
- Local authorities: collaboration in the elimination of barriers and stopping equipment.
