The Madeira islands and Funchal has an extensive public transport system. Transport between the two main islands is done by plane or by ferries, the latter also allowing for the transport of vehicles. Visiting the interior of the islands is now very easy, due to major road developments, known as the Vias rápidas, on the islands during Portugal’s economic boom. European Union citizens of the Schengen Treaty area can enter the islands freely, while those from other regions need identification. Bus companies such as Horários do Funchal, Rodoeste and SAM (Sociedade de automóveis da Madeira) have been operating for over one hundred years, and they have regularly scheduled routes to all points of interest on the island.The Direcção Regional dos Transportes Terrestres is the department of the regional government responsible for land transport in the autonomous region.