Customer
MobiAzores
Fleet size
46 buses
Passenger trips
1.79M yearly validations
Time to deploy
3 weeks
Location
Terceira Island, Azores, PT
data from 2025
Affordable, state-of-the-art solution on a small island
Overview
MobiAzores operates the public bus network on Terceira Island, in the Azores, managing 46 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, making Terceira the first Portuguese island to do so. The system was deployed in just three weeks.
Challenges
• Unstable connectivity in some areas of the island; • Complex ticketing rules; • Serving a population that swings sharply between residents and a large seasonal influx of tourists, all needing to pay and access transport without friction.
Results
• Credit card payments account for 30% of all onboard transactions; • Automatic renewals of monthly and school passes improved the customer experience and reduced staff workload; • Stable connectivity and real-time vehicle tracking throughout service.
"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