The Changing Face of TVDE Drivers in Lisbon: A Decade of Transformation

In this profession, every day is different. Drivers have the road as their office, navigating the mobility of passengers. They share moments of silence, smiles, and words with anonymous individuals—sometimes even tears from the back seat. TVDE (Transport of Passengers in Non-Characterized Vehicles via Electronic Platform) drivers cherish the freedom but reminisce about the prestige the job once held. Today, they persist, passionate about the streets yet bound by an uncontrollable digital system.

The IMT reports over 76,000 certified TVDE drivers in Portugal, with the majority in the Lisbon metropolitan area. In March 2025, 37,495 drivers were active—nearly double the number of registered taxi drivers. Most TVDE drivers are aged 30-39 (59.4%) and Portuguese (52.8%), followed by Brazilians (20.6%) and Indians (10.4%). There were 11,894 valid operators in March 2025.

Sandra Monteirinho, 52, defies some statistics. A Portuguese driver, mother, and caregiver, she balances her schedule between driving, shopping, cooking for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer's, and managing her company. Her day starts at 7 AM, with a break at 11 AM, resuming at 4 PM until around 10 PM.