Comboios de Portugal (CP) is weighing changes to a recent rail pass after operators say more than 50,000 monthly users are increasing demand on regional services and Intercidades trains. The operator cites so-called “ghost trips” — journeys that distort load figures — together with roughly 20% of its fleet temporarily sidelined, creating capacity pressure and service disruption. CP is considering adjustments to the pass to better manage demand, reduce distorted ridership patterns and relieve stress on constrained Intercidades services.
CP considers adjustments to the rail pass to address 'ghost trips' on Intercidades
Tuesday, 13 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
An Intercidades (intercity train service) is CP's conventional long-distance service that runs on main routes such as the Norte, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa lines. It is slower than Alfa Pendular (typically up to around 160 km/h) and is more likely to be affected by regional disruptions, so travellers should follow CP updates during severe weather.
