CP projects that the new pass could attract approximately 30 million passengers annually, building on last year's total of 172.6 million.

Despite the positive reception of the Green Rail Pass, there are concerns regarding the current capacity of trains to accommodate the increased number of passengers.

While the initiative aims to accommodate increased demand, the Minister acknowledged that CP needs more trains to handle the expected passenger surge.

For instance, commuters can save significantly on travel costs, with one example showing a potential annual saving of 3,650 euros for a Santarém to Lisbon route.

The new Green Rail Pass, introduced on October 21, 2023, allows unlimited travel on various railway services across Portugal for a monthly fee of 20 euros.

The Minister of Infrastructure announced that Comboios de Portugal (CP) will receive compensation for potential financial losses due to the new pass.

The Green Rail Pass was designed with current service levels in mind, incorporating rules to manage demand effectively.

CP emphasizes the pass's cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for regular travelers in the country.

Concerns have been raised about whether CP is adequately prepared for the anticipated increase in demand resulting from the new pass.

The pass allows travel on Intercidades trains, but passengers must make seat reservations up to 24 hours in advance.

On its first day, CP sold 2,230 subscriptions of the new Green Rail Pass by 6 PM, indicating strong initial interest.

The announcement of the Green Railway Pass in August led to a surge in demand for the CP+ Card, which is required to purchase the new pass.