Infrastructure: Lisbon news in Portugal

The Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) publicly rejected claims by Lisbon Metro that the court caused a two-year delay in expanding the Red Line (Linha Vermelha) to Alcântara. The court clarified that Metro leadership submitted the required prior review request only in late July 2025, rather than two years ago. The expansion project currently remains on hold while awaiting a government resolution to authorize multi-year spending through 2028.

Passengers arriving at Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado) can now access fixed-rate taxi fares intended to eliminate tourist overcharging and illegal transport practices. The standardized pricing follows a protocol signed between transport authorities and industry associations to tackle repeated passenger complaints regarding altered meters and refusal to accept electronic payments. The fixed rates provide travelers with predictable pricing for trips from the airport terminal into central Lisbon.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas announced plans to suspend and remove shared electric scooters from the capital, pointing to persistent safety complaints and cluttered pedestrian pavements. The proposal still requires formal approval by the Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa). While commercial scooter operators face an exit from the city, the municipal bike-sharing system Gira will remain in service and receive further fleet investments.

Update: Bolt Contests Ban as Operator Highlights Safety Record

Micro-mobility operator Bolt expressed regret over the lack of dialogue with municipal authorities, stating that only 0.5% of reported incidents in 2026 were serious. Bolt also pointed to police data showing that over half of fatal scooter accidents involved privately owned devices rather than commercial rental fleets.

Lisbon Metropolitan Transport (Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa or TML) launched the Navegante Planner (Planeador Navegante), a digital platform allowing passengers to plan trips across public transit networks in the metropolitan area. Officials also confirmed that work is underway to integrate transit ticketing between the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan regions.

Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) announced all stations will close on Wednesday due to a 24-hour strike called by union organizations representing operations staff. Unions cited ongoing staff shortages, delayed training programs, and excessive reliance on overtime, while accusing management of failing to honor an agreement reached in April. Train service will halt from 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday until 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Update: Lisbon Metro Calls Wednesday Strike Disproportionate and Unjustified

Lisbon Metro management issued a statement describing the strike as disproportionate and inappropriate, stating that the full shutdown impacts around 600,000 commuters over demands made by approximately 100 workers. The company added that the union action disregards recent progress achieved during collective bargaining negotiations.

The Lisbon Metropolitan Council has approved new public transport tickets aimed at visitors and event attendees. The new Navegante passes will cost 15 euros for one day or 37.50 euros for five days, though a start date for sales has not yet been announced.

Families of the 16 victims who died in the 2025 Glória Funicular derailment have inaugurated a memorial in Lisbon while expressing frustration over a lack of accountability and support. Victims stated in an open letter that they feel overlooked by the Lisbon City Council, which claims it did not have access to the families' contact details to provide promised assistance.

Transport operator Carris plans to launch an international tender in early 2027 to reconstruct the Glória funicular in Lisbon. The project aims to deliver a safer, modern system by 2029, nearly four years after a fatal accident halted operations. Officials emphasize that safety remains the primary requirement for the new design.

Update: Lisbon officials defend support for Glória funicular victims

The vice-president of Lisbon City Council stated that the municipality and Carris have provided comprehensive support to the victims and families affected by the 2025 accident, which resulted in 16 deaths and 24 injuries.

The public transport operator Carris plans to announce the future strategy for the Glória Funicular this coming Monday, with a new service expected to launch in 2029. Meanwhile, the legal process regarding past accidents continues, with reports suggesting that compensation for foreign victims may differ from that of Portuguese citizens.

The Metropolitano de Lisboa has postponed the phased closure of platforms at the Praça de Espanha station by 21 days due to scheduling changes. The Santa Apolónia-bound platform will now close from August 10 to 30, while the Reboleira-bound platform closure is set for August 31 to September 20. Additionally, the reopening of the station's north atrium is delayed by three weeks until August 17.

The National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) concluded its border control mission at Lisbon Airport this Sunday. On Monday, 367 new Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) officers will begin a two-week operational internship to take over these duties at Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and island airports.

The Lisbon Metro will launch a pilot project in October to begin daily operations one hour earlier, at 5:30 AM. The initiative aims to address evolving mobility needs, with the potential for permanent adoption of the earlier schedule planned for 2027.

The Lisbon Metro will extend its operating hours until 3:00 AM on the night of June 12 to accommodate crowds celebrating the Santo António festivities. The city is hosting various events, including traditional weddings and the Popular Marches (Marchas Populares), to honor the patron saint of Lisbon. Officials warn that while service is extended, connections to other transport networks are not guaranteed after the final metro departures.

The digital platform Navegante has launched a new feature offering integrated, real-time information for various transport operators in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The initiative aims to improve mobility planning for residents and commuters across the region.

The Lisbon Metro will suspend all services from 11 pm on Tuesday, June 2, through Wednesday, June 3, due to a general strike called by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses or CGTP). Regular service is expected to resume at 6:30 am on Thursday, June 4.

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz confirmed the government may suspend the new Entry/Exit System (Entry/Exit System or EES) at airports this summer to protect Portugal's international image. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas also advocated for the suspension, citing recent border control delays that have caused significant passenger queues and created a negative impression of the country.

Passengers at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport experienced significant delays at border control this Saturday due to technical and IT difficulties. Both the airport operator, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, and the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) confirmed that waiting times exceeded one hour for departures outside the Schengen Area.

Passengers at Humberto Delgado Airport continue to experience long queues at passport control, a situation exacerbated by the full operation of the European Entry/Exit System (Sistema de Entrada/Saída or EES). While expansion works in the border area are scheduled for inauguration on May 29, airline associations are calling for a suspension of the current system.

The Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) will suspend service on the Green Line between Rossio and Cais do Sodré from May 2 to May 5. The closure is required for construction work related to the new circular line project, with normal operations expected to resume on May 6.

A 24-hour strike by Lisbon Metro workers scheduled for this Tuesday has been cancelled. Unions confirmed that an agreement was reached with the company board, securing commitments for staff reinforcement and new rules for shift swaps between workers.