Portugal's IPO Lisboa slashes bus fares to €6 for cancer patients

IPO Lisboa, a major cancer hospital within Portugal's National Health Service (SNS), has partnered with Rede Expressos to offer discounted bus fares for patients and their companions. The initiative aims to ease travel costs for those undergoing treatment at the facility. Under the agreement, each trip will now cost a fixed €6, no matter the distance. The hospital serves a wide region, including patients from Lisbon, the Tagus Valley, Alentejo, the Algarve, the Azores, and Madeira. It also treats individuals from Portuguese-speaking African nations. With over 2,100 staff and 264 beds, IPO Lisboa plays a key role in oncology care across the country.

To qualify for the reduced fare, travellers must show a declaration issued by the hospital. The scheme forms part of IPO Lisboa's corporate social responsibility efforts to improve healthcare access. While exact figures on monthly usage remain undisclosed, the fixed-rate offer applies to all journeys on Rede Expressos services.

The partnership ensures that patients and one companion can travel at a lower cost during treatment. The €6 flat rate removes financial barriers linked to distance. The hospital continues to expand support for those relying on its specialised care.