Urgent Call for Mobility Subsidy Solution in Madeira
Madeira GuideMadeira's government is urgently requesting a solution to the suspended Mobility Subsidy payments, affecting residents and tourists alike. The suspension has caused widespread concern and protests.
The Regional Government of Madeira has issued an urgent request to the Secretary of State for Infrastructure to resolve the suspension of the Social Mobility Subsidy (SSM) payments. The payments were halted at the CTT (Correios de Portugal) stations, leading to significant disruptions for beneficiaries.
The suspension, confirmed on the morning of January 2, 2026, has sparked protests from those unable to access the reimbursements. The SSM, crucial for residents and tourists in Madeira, was previously managed under a transitional arrangement set to end on December 31, 2025. This arrangement, governed by Decree-Law No. 37-A/2025, allowed payments to be processed through the previous system until a new electronic platform was established.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment, and Culture, led by Eduardo Jesus, has assured that payments for tickets issued before the new legal framework will continue under existing rules. However, the submission of new subsidy requests under the Insular Student Program is currently suspended.
The situation awaits resolution pending the publication of updated legislation by the national government, which is crucial for the full restoration of the subsidy system. The urgency of this matter underlines its importance for the mobility of Madeira's residents and the tourism sector, which heavily relies on these subsidies.
The Social Mobility Subsidy is vital for our community's ease of travel and tourism activities, and its suspension must be addressed immediately to avoid further inconvenience. - Local Official
Sources
Madeira Guide
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