The President of the Government considered the process to renew the 25 de Abril road in the municipality of Praia da Vitória as “a good example of a useful and effective partnership with the Praia da Vitória City Hall.”

The investment, which the Government subsidised in about 1.6 million Euros, “will create better mobility conditions and a greater comfort, thus reducing the travel time and creating better conditions for the implementation of new undertakings,” and it is integrated in the governmental policy of permanent attention to the extensive road network, which is over 1,450 km long, said Carlos César at the opening ceremony. 

It is a policy that, without underestimating “the absolute influence of maritime and air transport in the logistics of the development of our Archipelago,” enhances the fundamental role of the terrestrial accessibility on each island, as cohesion factors and   economic and social dynamism.

The President revealed that nearly thirty five million Euros were invested in the renewal of 106 km of roads only on Terceira Island in the last legislative period, and that the Government is considering the possibility of new investments.

“By 2012, we will have renewed the Padre Sebastião de Sousa and the Juncal roads in Praia da Vitória, as well as the Porto da Praia/S. Sebastião/Porto Judeu road (through Porto Martins). Furthermore, we will expand the by-pass zone to Angra do Heroísmo and resurface the regional road between Cruz das Cinco Ribeiras and Santa Bárbara,” said Carlos César.

Stressing the improvements in the regional road network, with the subsequent increase in safety, Carlos César mentioned his desire for an equal progress regarding mobility, considering it a challenge that he would like both the Government and the local councils to work in partnership.

As an example, the President mentioned that in spatial planning, particularly inside localities, we need to plan lines for public transport, so that we may enjoy the benefits of using them, thereby reducing their waiting time.

With regard to public transport, Carlos César announced that the Government will reformulate the fare policy which is currently in force, “privileging, as it was proposed by the Socialist Party at the Azorean Parliament, the social passes and the combined systems instead of the individual fare, and creating new ticket fares for students, youngsters and tourists.”