Client
MobiAzores
Fleet size
46 buses
Passenger trips
1.79M yearly validations
Time to deploy
3 weeks
Location
Terceira Island, Azores, PT
Overview
MobiAzores operates the public bus network on Terceira Island, in the Azores, managing 45 buses connecting Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. In July 2024, MobiAzores partnered with UbiRider and Mastercard to become the first transit operation in the Azores to implement a contactless payment system — and the first Portuguese island to do so, deployed in just three weeks.
Challenges
• Unstable connectivity on some island areas; • Complex ticketing rules; • Serving a population that swings sharply between locals and a heavy seasonal tourist influx, both needing to pay and access transport easily without friction.
Results
• Credit card payments account for 10% of all onboard transactions; • Automatic renewals for monthly and school passes improved customer experience and reduced staff workload; • Stable connectivity & real-time vehicle tracking during service execution.
"Improving mobility is essential for the islands to retain and attract residents and tourists. The UbiRider Platform disrupted the old way we used to manage our processes — the transition to this new digital solution was fast, smooth, and affordable. We now have a modern, powerful platform to manage our operation at a cost we can afford, while our passengers can access and pay for the service easily and stay better informed."
Andreia Sousa, General Manager