This time, FlixBus is reinforcing services in Santarém, which, according to a press release sent to The Portugal News, increases "the number of connections to the cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Fátima."

Thus, Santarém will have 18 daily trips to Lisbon, and double "the offer initially available, 14 daily connections to and from Coimbra, 12 more than the current four, 10 new daily connections to and from Aveiro, eight new connections to and from Pombal, and three daily connections between Santarém and Fátima."

According to the company, the reinforcement of operations in Santarém aims to "respond to the mobility needs of those living in the region, given that the current housing crisis in the country has led more and more people to move out of large urban centres, increasing commuting between municipalities."

Tiago Cavaco Alves, FlixBus's Operations Director in Portugal, quoted in the press release, states that the company has doubled "the number of trips between Santarém and Lisbon in order to respond to all those who travel to the capital to work or study and who are looking for a reliable, affordable and comfortable alternative to the car. With this reinforcement of operations in the city, we are also significantly increasing the number of trips between Santarém and the Central region, in particular to Coimbra, Pombal, Fátima and Aveiro, connecting to the FlixBus European network, specifically connecting to Madrid and Galicia from this city."

The expansion of operations in Santarém follows the relocation of the stop on Avenida Marquês Sá da Bandeira, as the expansion of services at the Santarém Bus Terminal was impossible. The company assures that "it has repeatedly requested authorisation to reinforce its presence in the city, but the capacity limitation communicated by the terminal's management entity prevented the increase in the operator's service offering in the capital of Ribatejo."

“We regret that it was not possible to expand within the terminal, which would always have been the most practical and comfortable solution for passengers, but relocating the stop was the only way to increase the offer, providing new connections and more travel options to and from the city of Santarém,” adds Tiago Cavaco Alves.

The new connections begin on 29 June; however, it is already possible to purchase tickets, which are on sale on the official website, app and Pagaqui points of sale. Those who prefer can also buy tickets at travel agencies.