The decision is part of the strategy to include access to bicycles in the Navegante pass. Lisbon residents now have free access as of today.
As of today all Lisbon residents with a “Navegante” pass can use Gira bicycles for free, in a modality that started this Friday for young and senior citizens who already have a free pass. According to the note released by EMEL, the entity that manages Lisbon’s public shared bike system, the decision is part of the strategy that aims to expand access to bicycles and include them in the “Navegante” pass.
To access the service, users need to have an account on the Gira application and a Navegante card with an active monthly pass.
In the case of young people up to 23 years old and those over 65 years old, this association can be made automatically in the app. Residents (with tax domicile in Lisbon) aged between 24 and 64 can request a free pass at one of the EMEL service points (Laranjeiras Citizen’s Store, Saldanha Citizen’s Store or Campo Grande CML Store).
“EMEL remains committed to being an active partner for the implementation of good environmental practices and new mobility policies (…). The integration of Gira in Navegante aims to promote the use of soft modes and the use of public transport as a means of travel in the city,” the statement quotes the statements of Carlos Silva, president of EMEL.
The users of these bicycles will also benefit from six new access points that were inaugurated this Friday in the capital. This way, the number of Gira stations increases to 146, in a total of 2,873 parking docks.
The new stations are at Doca da Marinha (Sta. Maria Maior); Ribeira das Naus (Sta. Maria Maior); Rua Guiomar Torresão/Metro de Carnide (Carnide); Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro/Rua de Campolide (São Domingos de Benfica); Rua Tenente-Coronel Ribeiro dos Reis/Rua Conde de Almoster (Benfica) and Rua Prof. Carlos Teixeira/Rua Prof. Simões Raposo (Lumiar).
Since the launch of Lisbon’s public bike sharing network in 2017, the Gira has already made almost nine million trips. In 2022 there were a record 2.6 million trips made, more than double the previous year.
