Porto digitises access records for tourist buses entering the historic centre

"The application will allow operators to submit ZR access requests entirely digitally, eliminating manual procedures and reducing the bureaucracy currently associated with the process," stated the municipality in a release sent to Lusa.

According to the statement, "the platform will enable the creation of operator profiles—including the registration of associated license plates and permits"—as well as the submission of ZR access requests based on the desired day, time, and location.

"The system will display a real-time availability calendar for each location, using a visual 'traffic light' indicator for each stop point and time slot," allowing both tour operators and the municipality to "anticipate constraints and better organise transport flows."

Consequently, "whenever requests comply with current regulations, and there is availability at the desired location and time, authorisation will be processed automatically," whereas "locations that have reached capacity will be blocked by the system."

The administration led by Pedro Duarte (PSD/CDS-PP/IL) views this as a "more agile control and enforcement tool," noting that "municipal departments will be able to monitor and manage requests in an integrated manner, and the Municipal Police will be able to verify the validity of granted authorisations in real time."It is also considered "another step towards cutting red tape, simplifying procedures, and efficiently managing public space, contributing to more sustainable tourism and a more balanced city."

Quoted in the statement, Hugo Beirão, the councillor responsible for Mobility and Tourism, notes that they are "replacing bureaucracy with technology, creating a system that is simpler for operators and more effective for the municipality."

"We want to facilitate economic activity and ensure that tourism develops in an organised manner, respecting public space and the daily lives of those who live and work in Porto," he states.

Currently, within the Restricted Zone—bounded to the north by Rua de Gonçalo Cristóvão, to the south by Rua Nova da Alfândega, to the west by areas such as Campo dos Mártires da Pátria or Rua de Cedofeita, and to the east by Rua da Alegria and Rua D. João IV—access is prohibited between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, access is permitted via prior notification (without requiring formal
authorization) between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays.

Between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, there is a "mandatory requirement to apply for authorisation for access to the Restricted Zone for unauthorised tourist routes, either via the Citizen Portal or in person at the Citizen Service Office."

"The Municipality recommends submitting the request as early as possible, suggesting it be filed 20 business days prior to the intended date of access," the statement notes.

As of Wednesday and Thursday, several designated stops for occasional-service buses and tuk-tuks—particularly in the downtown area and the Historic Centre—have also been changed.

Regarding tourist buses, the local authority states that "the stop on Rua do Dr Ferreira da Silva will be deactivated and the current stop at Campo dos Mártires da Pátria will be removed," while "new passenger pick-up and drop-off points will be added on Rua de Gonçalo Cristóvão, Rua Tareija Vaz de Altaro, and at Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, next to the courthouse."

"Outside the Restriction Zone, there will be new stops on Avenida da Boavista (near Castelo do Queijo), Rua de D. João de Castro, Rua de Júlio Dinis, Via Futebol Clube do Porto, and Largo da Lapa," with "all other existing points remaining in place."