January, 2025

Horários do Funchal – Transportes Públicos, SA has embarked on a groundbreaking project to revolutionize public transportation in Madeira and Porto Santo with the implementation of the GIRO intermodal ticketing system. Developed in collaboration with Link, Powerqubit, and Neves & Neves, GIRO aims to enhance mobility across the region with a unified solution and simplify the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.

The Challenge

For almost 40 years, Horários do Funchal has been a cornerstone of public transportation in Madeira. However, the evolving demands of its millions of passengers, coupled with the need for a more efficient and integrated transportation system, called for an innovative approach. The goal was to streamline the network under a single ticketing system, making it easier for users to navigate and for operators to manage.

The Solution

Link, in partnership with Powerqubit and Neves & Neves, introduced GIRO, a comprehensive intermodal ticketing system that aggregates all public transport operators in Madeira under the new brand SIGA.

This system offers:

  • Interoperability: GIRO is based on an open data model, allowing the seamless use of a single card across multiple transport modes. It supports the evolution and lifecycle of products and fares controlled by Horários do Funchal and shares specifications and technological components with AML.
  • Multichannel Sales Solution: Including on-board ticket machines, dedicated sales and personalized posts (soon also available in self-service vending machines, network of agents and Payshop). This ensures passengers can easily purchase tickets and access services from multiple points.
  • Centralized Management: GIRO provides a single point for managing the commercial catalog and sales configurations, ensuring consistency across all channels and ease of updates.
  • Passenger Information Systems: In the next phase, vehicle locations and arrival times will be displayed on vehicles and stops, enhancing the passenger experience.

The GIRO ticketing system will also include a mobile application as a modern alternative to physical cards. This app will provide QR code-based ticketing for easy and secure access, integrated purchase options (creating a “One Stop Shop” for occasional passengers), and real-time service information, route updates, and estimated arrival times.

 

The Exploration Support System integrated within GIRO ensures:

  • Operational efficiency of resources and means.
  • Implementation of eco-driving features to save fuel and improve service quality.
  • Real-time data collection from operations to assess service levels and kilometers traveled.
  • Capability for multimedia content broadcasting.
  • APIs for open data to support external systems.

The implementation of GIRO is being carried out by a consortium that combines the expertise of three partners, each one playing a critical role. Link provides global integration, central management systems, and interoperability management. Neves & Neves supplies on-board equipment and solutions. And Powerqubit deliveres operational support systems and passenger information services.

Results

GIRO is leading to significant improvements in Madeira’s public transportation:

  • Unified Ticketing: Passengers now benefit from a single card for all transport modes, simplifying travel and enhancing convenience.
  • Improved Accessibility: The mobile app will enable easy ticket purchases and provide real-time updates, catering to both residents and tourists.
  • Operational Efficiency: Centralized management capabilities and data collection (usage tracking and revenue distribution) ensure optimal resource utilization, service quality and transparency.
  • Customer Insights: The system provides valuable insights into passenger demand and profiles, helping to tailor services more effectively.

“The GIRO system has revolutionized our approach to public transport, offering a digital integration experience, a comprehensive asset consultation application, and a secure communication channel with our organization. The partnership with Link and their innovative solutions has been instrumental in achieving our goals”, highlights Marco Louro at Horários do Funchal.

The GIRO project is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, involves a total investment of around €3.8 million euros and stands as a testament to how technological innovation can transform public transportation. By providing a seamless, user-friendly, and integrated ticketing system, Horários do Funchal is setting a new standard for public transport in Madeira.

Equipment complemented with the respective application and management systems, developed exclusively by the consortium

Leading the way in urban mobility

If you are inspired by the success of GIRO and also looking for an state-of-the-art ticketing system, know more about our offering and contact us to learn how it can transform your transportation network. Besides Madeira, Link has already implemented it in major interoperability regions such as Lisbon, Genoa, Brussels, and Israel. Be the next one to prove its effectiveness and adaptability