Funchal City Hall has publicly announced the details of the already controversial changes to traffic circulation in Funchal, specifically the creation of bus lanes. According to the municipality, the following traffic changes will come into effect today, Wednesday, September 2, 2026:
Bus Lanes
Bus lane on Rua 5 de Outubro (westbound lane), in the section between the “Esfera da Sorte” establishment and Praça da Autonomia, covering a distance of approximately 170 meters;
Bus lane on Rua 31 de Janeiro, in the eastbound lane, covering an initial 180-meter stretch between the access stairs to Largo do Pelourinho and the Cadeia Bridge, and a second 320-meter stretch between Largo do Phelps and the Nova Bridge.
Bus lane on Rua do Visconde de Anadia, in the westbound lane, in the segment between Travessa da Malta and Praça da Autonomia, spanning approximately 105 meters;
Reorganization of bus stops.
The implementation of these corridors will be accompanied by a reorganization of public transport stops along the affected routes.
Consequently, the terminus located near the “Esfera da Sorte” establishment on Rua 5 de Outubro will no longer operate. On Rua do Visconde de Anadia, the stops located north of the Anadia Shopping Center—specifically those serving CAM and Rodoeste—will be removed, while the Horários do Funchal stops will remain, and the capacity of the public transport bay near Largo do Pelourinho will be increased.
Pedestrian traffic is prohibited on the Pelourinho Bridge, which connects Largo do Pelourinho to Rua da Casa da Luz.
Changes will also be introduced on Rua da Infância, involving the removal of paid parking spaces to ensure the continued flow of traffic while passengers board and alight at the existing stop near the Public Security Police (PSP) building.
Loading and unloading times
On Rua 31 de Janeiro, loading and unloading operations are permitted for a maximum of 30 minutes—daily between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM—in the eastbound traffic lane (the bus lane) along the stretch between street numbers 9A and 13N;
On Rua da Infância, paid parking spaces located between the Civil Police building pedestrian overpass and Rua Conde Carvalhal will be removed to ensure the continuous flow of traffic near the existing public transport stop.
Bus lanes are reserved for the circulation of regular public passenger transport vehicles, taxis, vehicles on emergency relief or urgent public service missions, and police vehicles; the circulation of motorcycles and motorized tricycles is also permitted, in accordance with Article 77 of the Brazilian Traffic Code;
Use of bus lanes is also permitted—strictly to the extent necessary—to access garages, properties, and parking areas, or, where signage allows, to execute a turn at the nearest intersection or junction, in accordance with Article 77 of the Traffic Code.
Stopping or parking in bus lanes or in other areas where prohibited by installed traffic signage is forbidden; designated areas for stopping or parking must be respected.
CMF monitors the implementation of changes and evaluates results.
We appreciate drivers’ understanding regarding any potential inconvenience and ask for cooperation in observing the installed traffic signage. Furthermore, the Municipality of Funchal will monitor the implementation and operation of these changes, evaluating performance and—whenever necessary—adjusting them to suit traffic conditions and public transport operational needs.
With these interventions, Funchal City Hall reinforces its focus on more efficient mobility, more competitive public transport, and a more balanced use of road space, contributing to a more accessible and sustainable city, the municipality states.
This information is available on the municipal platform https://infomobilidade.funchal.pt/.
