History
1985
CETU (Urban Transport Study Commission) is created.
CETU was created on April 11 by Regional Government Resolution no. 469/85. This project aimed to study and organize an urban public transport company. Once the studies began, the company, its name and graphic symbol were born. Studies, collection of information, plans and projects, organization and visits to major national transport companies marked the formation of Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. at a steady and progressive pace.
CETU was created on April 11 by Regional Government Resolution no. 469/85. This project aimed to study and organize an urban public transport company. Once the studies began, the company, its name and graphic symbol were born. Studies, collection of information, plans and projects, organization and visits to major national transport companies marked the formation of Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. at a steady and progressive pace.
1986
Formation of the company Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A.
On June 5, the company Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. was established. Works began on the Horários do Funchal station and buses were ordered, with the first bus arriving on 12 August.
On June 5, the company Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. was established. Works began on the Horários do Funchal station and buses were ordered, with the first bus arriving on 12 August.
1987
The First Journey.
On January 1, the yellow buses started running on the Funchal network, with the start of the operation of the urban service and partial occupation of the Horários do Funchal station. The company was chaired by Colonel Ramiro Morna do Nascimento, with Dr. João Alcindo Freitas and Dr. António José Jardim Faria as members.
On January 1, the yellow buses started running on the Funchal network, with the start of the operation of the urban service and partial occupation of the Horários do Funchal station. The company was chaired by Colonel Ramiro Morna do Nascimento, with Dr. João Alcindo Freitas and Dr. António José Jardim Faria as members.
1988
Horários do Funchal station facilities.
In April, the HF Station was definitively occupied, with all its services in place. The station was officially inaugurated on June 27 by His Excellency the President of the Regional Government, Dr. Alberto João Cardoso Gonçalves Jardim.
In April, the HF Station was definitively occupied, with all its services in place. The station was officially inaugurated on June 27 by His Excellency the President of the Regional Government, Dr. Alberto João Cardoso Gonçalves Jardim.
1996
Acquisition of interurban service and tourism companies.
Companies acquired: Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo S.A., Emílio de Castro e Companhia Lda; Empresa Automobilística de São Martinho Lda; Companhia dos Automóveis de Santo António Lda.
Companies acquired: Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo S.A., Emílio de Castro e Companhia Lda; Empresa Automobilística de São Martinho Lda; Companhia dos Automóveis de Santo António Lda.
1997
Interurban Service and Bus Rental.
On January 1, the Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo, S.A. expanded its services, with the start of interurban service and bus rental.
On January 1, the Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo, S.A. expanded its services, with the start of interurban service and bus rental.
1999
The “Horários do Funchal Group”.
On December 31, the Group was formed by the companies Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. and Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo, S.A.
On December 31, the Group was formed by the companies Horários do Funchal - Transportes Públicos, S.A. and Companhia dos Carros de São Gonçalo, S.A.
2001
Acquisiton of Sociedade de Automóveis de São Roque do Faial, Lda.
Acquisition of Sociedade de Automóveis de São Roque do Faial, Lda, on 1st July. Inauguration of the new car parking area.
Acquisition of Sociedade de Automóveis de São Roque do Faial, Lda, on 1st July. Inauguration of the new car parking area.
2002
Inauguration of the Camacha Automatic Substation.
Located in Nogueira, Camacha, it covers an area of 7.000m2. Used to assist, in terms of fuelling, washing and parking, the interurban service fleet, with automatic operation.
Located in Nogueira, Camacha, it covers an area of 7.000m2. Used to assist, in terms of fuelling, washing and parking, the interurban service fleet, with automatic operation.
Carristur partnership.
The inaugural trip to operate tourist circuits takes place on December 11.
The inaugural trip to operate tourist circuits takes place on December 11.
2003
New Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On November 28, Chief Superintendent Nuno Pinto Coelho Homem da Costa took place as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Colonel Ramiro Morna do Nascimento.
On November 28, Chief Superintendent Nuno Pinto Coelho Homem da Costa took place as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Colonel Ramiro Morna do Nascimento.
Protocol with the Jornal da Madeira newspaper.
On this date, a new cooperation protocol was also established with the Jornal da Madeira newspaper with a view to distributing newspapers free of charge on board.
On this date, a new cooperation protocol was also established with the Jornal da Madeira newspaper with a view to distributing newspapers free of charge on board.
2005
Inauguration of the Transport Service for People with Reduced Mobility (PMR).
This service is operated by a fleet specially designed to transport people with mobility difficulties, in most cases using wheelchairs. The service is provided door-to-door throughout the municipality of Funchal, using a prior appointment system.
This service is operated by a fleet specially designed to transport people with mobility difficulties, in most cases using wheelchairs. The service is provided door-to-door throughout the municipality of Funchal, using a prior appointment system.
2006
Inauguration of Linha Eco (Eco Line).
A new transport service has started in the centre of Funchal, operated by electric minibuses.
A new transport service has started in the centre of Funchal, operated by electric minibuses.
2007
New Electronic Ticketing System and new Support System for Operation and Public Information (SAEIP).
The ticketing system has made it easier to use the transport service. The main aim of this new technology was to simplify the process of selling and validating transport tickets. SAEIP made it possible to manage the bus fleet in real time on the public roads and thus inform customers of bus departure times.
The ticketing system has made it easier to use the transport service. The main aim of this new technology was to simplify the process of selling and validating transport tickets. SAEIP made it possible to manage the bus fleet in real time on the public roads and thus inform customers of bus departure times.
2008
Fleet modernization - B12BLE.
20 buses were purchased with the aim of updating and modernizing the urban fleet. The Volvo B12BLE vehicles, with Volvo chassis and Camo bodywork, have the special feature of being Low Entry (LE), whose fundamental characteristic is a lowered floor where passengers can enter and exit without steps, providing easier access.
20 buses were purchased with the aim of updating and modernizing the urban fleet. The Volvo B12BLE vehicles, with Volvo chassis and Camo bodywork, have the special feature of being Low Entry (LE), whose fundamental characteristic is a lowered floor where passengers can enter and exit without steps, providing easier access.
2009
Inauguration of the Linha Verde (Green Line).
The Linha Verde aims to improve access to the west of Funchal with less polluting buses and a more frequent service, covering Ponta da Cruz.
The Linha Verde aims to improve access to the west of Funchal with less polluting buses and a more frequent service, covering Ponta da Cruz.
Fleet modernization - B12M.
At the end of 2009, 10 buses were purchased with the aim of updating and modernizing the urban fleet. The Volvo B12M vehicles, with Volvo chassis and Camo bodywork, have an electric-hydraulic ramp for wheelchair passengers to access the central engine door.
At the end of 2009, 10 buses were purchased with the aim of updating and modernizing the urban fleet. The Volvo B12M vehicles, with Volvo chassis and Camo bodywork, have an electric-hydraulic ramp for wheelchair passengers to access the central engine door.
2010
Bicycle transport service.
In September the bicycle bus service was inaugurated on lines 01, 48 and 50.
In September the bicycle bus service was inaugurated on lines 01, 48 and 50.
2011
Fleet modernization with 5 Mercedes minibuses.
5 Mercedes minibuses were purchased to serve the Santa Luzia area and connect parking lots and schools.
5 Mercedes minibuses were purchased to serve the Santa Luzia area and connect parking lots and schools.
MobiParque.
The MobiParque service was launched in February, which included the parking lot and the public transport service in its tariff.
The MobiParque service was launched in February, which included the parking lot and the public transport service in its tariff.
MobiParque Escolas.
The MobiParque Escolas service started in September, connecting parking lots and schools via routes 82 and 83.
The MobiParque Escolas service started in September, connecting parking lots and schools via routes 82 and 83.
Mobi Santa Luzia.
The Mobi Santa Luzia service, which started in October, consisted of an on-demand public transport service in the Santa Luzia area, by booking the trip in advance.
The Mobi Santa Luzia service, which started in October, consisted of an on-demand public transport service in the Santa Luzia area, by booking the trip in advance.
2012
New Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On March 1, Dr. Alejandro Marcelino Gonçalves Gonçalves took place as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Chief Superintendent Nuno Pinto Coelho Homem da Costa.
On March 1, Dr. Alejandro Marcelino Gonçalves Gonçalves took place as Chairman of the Board of Directors, replacing Chief Superintendent Nuno Pinto Coelho Homem da Costa.
2013
Journey Planner.
February saw the launch of Journey Planner, HF's first travel planner, allowing users to create a travel plan tailored to their needs.
February saw the launch of Journey Planner, HF's first travel planner, allowing users to create a travel plan tailored to their needs.
2014
Tourist guide “Discover Madeira by bus”.
The main aim of the “Discover Madeira by bus” tourist guide was to inform tourists about what they can visit using HF’s public transport service.
The main aim of the “Discover Madeira by bus” tourist guide was to inform tourists about what they can visit using HF’s public transport service.
Free audio guide for a bus trip to Curral das Freiras.
The free audio guide for a bus trip to Curral das Freiras consisted of an itinerary with information and curiosities about the history of the island, local architecture and folklore and the parish of Curral das Freiras.
The free audio guide for a bus trip to Curral das Freiras consisted of an itinerary with information and curiosities about the history of the island, local architecture and folklore and the parish of Curral das Freiras.
HF BUS.
The HF BUS android app, allowed you to check timetables offline, among other useful functions. This app was developed as part of a Master's thesis project in Computer Engineering by João Bernardo Luís at the University of Madeira, supervised by Professors Leonel Nóbrega and Luís Gomes.
The HF BUS android app, allowed you to check timetables offline, among other useful functions. This app was developed as part of a Master's thesis project in Computer Engineering by João Bernardo Luís at the University of Madeira, supervised by Professors Leonel Nóbrega and Luís Gomes.
2015
Google Maps, Rome2Rio, Here and Moovit.
The services of Horários do Funchal, urban and interurban network, were made available in these route simulators.
The services of Horários do Funchal, urban and interurban network, were made available in these route simulators.
2016
New Members of the Board of Directors.
Eng.ª Susana Pinto Correia and Dr.ª Cláudia Couto Cardoso took place as executive members of the Board of Directors, replacing Dr. João Alcindo Freitas and Dr. António Jardim Faria.
Eng.ª Susana Pinto Correia and Dr.ª Cláudia Couto Cardoso took place as executive members of the Board of Directors, replacing Dr. João Alcindo Freitas and Dr. António Jardim Faria.
30 years of HF.
In August, HF celebrated its 30th anniversary, 30 years of evolution in terms of lines, vehicles, European projection, technological innovation and continuous training for its employees.
In August, HF celebrated its 30th anniversary, 30 years of evolution in terms of lines, vehicles, European projection, technological innovation and continuous training for its employees.
CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project.
HF becomes coordinator of the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, co-financed by the European Union, which brings together 11 European countries. The aim of this project was to promote the use of public transport as a more sustainable and innovative means of urban mobility among the tourist population.
HF becomes coordinator of the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, co-financed by the European Union, which brings together 11 European countries. The aim of this project was to promote the use of public transport as a more sustainable and innovative means of urban mobility among the tourist population.
HF’s Facebook.
HF's Facebook page is an important means of disseminating useful information, such as itinerary changes, announcements and promotional campaigns.
HF's Facebook page is an important means of disseminating useful information, such as itinerary changes, announcements and promotional campaigns.
Fleet modernization - Volvo FL 4x4.
In order to serve the higher areas of Funchal, 4 Volvo FL 4x4 buses were purchased. These buses have special features that withstand the region's rugged terrain.
In order to serve the higher areas of Funchal, 4 Volvo FL 4x4 buses were purchased. These buses have special features that withstand the region's rugged terrain.
2017
Electric bus test.
As part of the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, HF tested an electric bus on lines 02, 21, 36 and 45.
As part of the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, HF tested an electric bus on lines 02, 21, 36 and 45.
2018
New Member of the Board of Directors.
Eng. Duarte Leovigildo de Faria Sousa took place as executive member of the Board of Directors, replacing Dr.ª Cláudia Patrícia Rodrigues Pereira do Couto Cardoso.
Eng. Duarte Leovigildo de Faria Sousa took place as executive member of the Board of Directors, replacing Dr.ª Cláudia Patrícia Rodrigues Pereira do Couto Cardoso.
ECOMANAGER.
As part of the CIVITAS DESTINATIOS project, in March 2018 HF implemented the ECOMANAGER system in 20 buses, helping to improve performance, reducing fuel consumption and increasing passenger safety and comfort.
As part of the CIVITAS DESTINATIOS project, in March 2018 HF implemented the ECOMANAGER system in 20 buses, helping to improve performance, reducing fuel consumption and increasing passenger safety and comfort.
Karsan Jest Electric.
In September, HF carried out an experiment with an electric minibus, Karsan Jest Electric, with a capacity of up to 22 passengers and 100% electric engine, considering the importance of sustainable mobility.
In September, HF carried out an experiment with an electric minibus, Karsan Jest Electric, with a capacity of up to 22 passengers and 100% electric engine, considering the importance of sustainable mobility.
Fleet modernization - Mercedes Sprinter.
In October, HF acquired two new vehicles to operate the Transport Service for People with Reduced Mobility. These are Mercedes Sprinter vehicles with a capacity of 9 seats plus driver or up to 6 seats plus driver and 4 wheelchairs, air conditioning throughout the cabin and in accordance with the 2018 Euro 6 standard.
In October, HF acquired two new vehicles to operate the Transport Service for People with Reduced Mobility. These are Mercedes Sprinter vehicles with a capacity of 9 seats plus driver or up to 6 seats plus driver and 4 wheelchairs, air conditioning throughout the cabin and in accordance with the 2018 Euro 6 standard.
2019
“GIRO na HF” Holiday Camp.
In March, HF received certification for the “GIRO na HF” Holiday Camp, certified under no. 18/RAM/2019 for Easter and Summer activities. The “GIRO na HF” Holiday Camp aimed to create a family atmosphere and unity among everyone, without forgetting to raise awareness about the correct use of public transport and the important role that children play in the environment and society, based on the values of citizenship and the management of energy and material resources.
In March, HF received certification for the “GIRO na HF” Holiday Camp, certified under no. 18/RAM/2019 for Easter and Summer activities. The “GIRO na HF” Holiday Camp aimed to create a family atmosphere and unity among everyone, without forgetting to raise awareness about the correct use of public transport and the important role that children play in the environment and society, based on the values of citizenship and the management of energy and material resources.
New Volvo FE bus.
On September 6, HF inaugurated the Volvo FE bus dedicated to the transport of people with reduced mobility, co-financed by the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project. The bus, 9,7m long, is adaptable and has a maximum capacity of 9 wheelchairs with 2 seats, or 34 seats. Wheelchair access to the bus is provided by an electro-hydraulic vertical platform (lift) installed at the rear. This bus is a prototype, purposely developed for HF, considering the typical characteristics of Funchal's streets.
On September 6, HF inaugurated the Volvo FE bus dedicated to the transport of people with reduced mobility, co-financed by the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project. The bus, 9,7m long, is adaptable and has a maximum capacity of 9 wheelchairs with 2 seats, or 34 seats. Wheelchair access to the bus is provided by an electro-hydraulic vertical platform (lift) installed at the rear. This bus is a prototype, purposely developed for HF, considering the typical characteristics of Funchal's streets.
Quality and Service Excellence (QESM).
On September 9, HF carried out the level I certification of the Quality and Service Excellence - Madeira (QESM) recognition system. This project reflects the measures to be implemented in the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, assessing how they improve HF's quality of service.
On September 9, HF carried out the level I certification of the Quality and Service Excellence - Madeira (QESM) recognition system. This project reflects the measures to be implemented in the CIVITAS DESTINATIONS project, assessing how they improve HF's quality of service.
Fleet modernization - Karsan – Jest Electric.
In September, HF acquired 5 new 100% electric minibuses of the Karsan - Jest Electric model, which began operating on the urban service, on the City Lines 05 and 05A, to ensure better accessibility to public services and commerce.
In September, HF acquired 5 new 100% electric minibuses of the Karsan - Jest Electric model, which began operating on the urban service, on the City Lines 05 and 05A, to ensure better accessibility to public services and commerce.
Certification as a training entity.
In October, HF received approval to extend its certification profile, extending the certification of the training entity to the areas of personal development, IT from the user's perspective and safety and hygiene at work.
In October, HF received approval to extend its certification profile, extending the certification of the training entity to the areas of personal development, IT from the user's perspective and safety and hygiene at work.
2020
Fleet modernization - Volvo B8RLE.
The first 30 Volvo B8RLE buses with UNVI/CAMO Urbis bodies, with low entry, which stand out for their maximum level of safety and comfort for both passengers and drivers.
The first 30 Volvo B8RLE buses with UNVI/CAMO Urbis bodies, with low entry, which stand out for their maximum level of safety and comfort for both passengers and drivers.
2021
Fleet modernization - Scania Irizar.
Inauguration of 15 new rental buses, Scania IRIZAR i6 (medium-high range), attended by His Excellency the President of the Regional Government, Dr. Miguel Albuquerque, and the Regional Secretary for the Economy, Dr. Rui Barreto.
Inauguration of 15 new rental buses, Scania IRIZAR i6 (medium-high range), attended by His Excellency the President of the Regional Government, Dr. Miguel Albuquerque, and the Regional Secretary for the Economy, Dr. Rui Barreto.
Inauguration of a new HF sales office.
Located on Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, it provides information about the services of Horários do Funchal and to selling more specific transport tickets for tourists.
Located on Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, it provides information about the services of Horários do Funchal and to selling more specific transport tickets for tourists.
2022
Population survey.
As part of the mobility study, Horários do Funchal carried out a survey to the population with the aim of improving its services.
As part of the mobility study, Horários do Funchal carried out a survey to the population with the aim of improving its services.
2023
GIRO BUS app.
On June 13, Horários do Funchal launched the new GIROBUS app, which is in a experimental phase. The new app is designed to inform, plan and manage journeys on the HF service.
On June 13, Horários do Funchal launched the new GIROBUS app, which is in a experimental phase. The new app is designed to inform, plan and manage journeys on the HF service.
2024
End of operation on the Camacha and Santana networks.
At 00:30 on 01/07/2024, the last C.C. São Gonçalo/TIIM buses returned into the HF station on Fundoa, ending operations on the Camacha and Santana networks, which will now be integrated into the CAM company.
At 00:30 on 01/07/2024, the last C.C. São Gonçalo/TIIM buses returned into the HF station on Fundoa, ending operations on the Camacha and Santana networks, which will now be integrated into the CAM company.
Pico do Areeiro Transport Service.
In August, the transport service between Funchal and Pico do Areeiro and the shuttle at that location began, with the aim of improving accessibility to this tourist attraction.
In August, the transport service between Funchal and Pico do Areeiro and the shuttle at that location began, with the aim of improving accessibility to this tourist attraction.
Cooperation with TIIM, S.A.
A company 100% owned by HF, involving the adoption of operational measures for the implementation of the new ticketing system in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which commenced operations on July 1, 2024.
A company 100% owned by HF, involving the adoption of operational measures for the implementation of the new ticketing system in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which commenced operations on July 1, 2024.
2025
New Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On August 30, Intendent Marco Lobato took office as Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Alejandro Gonçalves.
On August 30, Intendent Marco Lobato took office as Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Alejandro Gonçalves.
New Members of the Board of Directors.
On November 6, Eng. Bruno Sousa and Dr. Cirino Freitas took office as executive members of the Board of Directors, succeeding Eng. Susana Correia and Eng. Duarte Sousa.
On November 6, Eng. Bruno Sousa and Dr. Cirino Freitas took office as executive members of the Board of Directors, succeeding Eng. Susana Correia and Eng. Duarte Sousa.