PS Advocates for Mobility Subsidy Reforms for Porto Santo Residents
Madeira GuideThe PS-Madeira calls for changes to mobility subsidies affecting Porto Santo residents, emphasizing equity in transportation options.
In a move aimed at addressing longstanding disparities, the PS-Madeira has raised concerns about the current structure of mobility subsidies for Porto Santo residents. These subsidies, meant to facilitate affordable inter-island travel, are currently seen as inequitable and in need of reform.
During a recent press conference held at Madeira's airport, PS-Madeira's parliamentary representative Marta Freitas highlighted the party's efforts to submit a resolution to the Assembly. This resolution seeks to ensure that eligibility for mobility subsidies is based on habitual and fiscal residence rather than the mode of transport or the starting point of the journey.
The current system, as criticized by Freitas, penalizes residents who choose to travel between Porto Santo and Madeira using a combination of air and sea transport. Under existing regulations, only those who fly both ways between the islands can claim the full subsidy, which has led to complaints from residents about unfair treatment.
Freitas pointed out that this limitation does not stem from any legislative decree or ordinance but rather from an administrative interpretation that can be easily rectified. The PS-Madeira suggests that by streamlining administrative processes through the 'SIMplifica' portal, residents of Porto Santo could consistently receive the appropriate mobility subsidies regardless of their chosen transportation method.
This issue has been a persistent concern for Porto Santo residents, who argue that the current system is not reflective of the legislative intent behind the subsidy. By advocating for these changes, PS-Madeira aims to ensure fairer access to subsidies, thereby promoting greater equity for all residents.
'This is a simple administrative fix that can ensure fairness and equality for Porto Santo residents in accessing their rightful subsidies,' Freitas remarked during her address.
The call for reform is expected to resonate with both locals and visitors, as it touches upon the broader theme of accessibility and fairness in regional transportation policies, which are crucial for the socio-economic integration of Madeira's islands.
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Madeira Guide
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