The region of Viseu Dão Lafões has dozens of scattered villages with less than 40 inhabitants, while almost one third of its population is over 65 years old. Due to the limited connection of these areas, many residents, especially the elderly, have trouble accessing public transport.  

Comings and Goings operates as a flexible public transportation service in the region of Viseu Dão Lafões. Passengers call a free number to book their trip the day before. An operator assists them with their reservation and any enquiries. The service offers flexible routes and designated stops. Passengers must choose from the available schedule, and can only select a stop if no other public transport is available during that time. 

This flexible transportation service uses taxis with a visible logo. The advance booking system allows drivers to optimise routes. 

By matching the fare of a bus ticket for equivalent distances, the service is financially feasible for all residents across the region. Since 2022, 23 000 passengers have benefited from the Comings and Goings service, travelling over 260 000 km. Thanks to this initiative, users can rely on efficient and accessible transport for commuting, running errands, and accessing public services. 

Comings and Goings provides an integrated mobility solution for remote areas with poor connections to urban areas. Routes are optimised based on bookings made the previous day, ensuring the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the practice.  

Fares are set to match equivalent bus tickets for similar distances, making the service accessible for people on low incomes. This affordability allows residents to have better access to job opportunities, healthcare, and other essential services without financial constraints.  

As a result, the initiative fosters social cohesion by connecting remote communities to the broader urban network, and improves mobility and quality-of-life for social groups at risk and elderly people in rural areas. 

Comings and Goings (Ir e Vir) supports the Strategic Plan “Viseu Dão Lafões 2030” by fostering social cohesion, sustainable mobility, and better access to services for residents in isolated areas.  

In 2021, six municipalities in the Viseu Dão Lafões region launched a pilot Comings and Goings project. It was the result of long-term cooperation among local governments, community stakeholders, and residents, to address transportation challenges in remote rural areas. The pilot demonstrated the initiative's efficiency and flexibility, reaching 4 500 users in six months. 

In 2022, the service was expanded to include 13 municipalities: Aguiar da Beira, Carregal do Sal, Castro Daire, Mangualde, Nelas, Oliveira de Frades, Penalva do Castelo, Santa Comba Dão, São Pedro do Sul, Sátão, Tondela, Vila Nova de Paiva, Viseu and Vouzela.  

Collaborative efforts were vital for providing mobility solutions in sparsely populated, remote areas. 

The Comings and Goings (Ir e Vir) initiative has greatly improved mobility in remote rural areas within the region of Viseu Dão Lafões. By providing reliable and flexible transportation, the daily lives of residents and their access to essential services have been improved.  

The expansion of the service to serve 13 municipalities in the region provides solid proof of its success. Facilitating 23 000 journeys over two years is a significant achievement relative to the region's population of 252 000.  

Moreover, the growth from 22 collaborating taxi drivers during the pilot phase to 70 today, highlights the capacity to meet growing demand and offer an effective response to local mobility needs.