Public transport news in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal

Trade unions have called off partial strikes scheduled for 28 and 30 October on the Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa). The decision followed an order by the Arbitration Court (Tribunal Arbitral) of the Economic and Social Council (Conselho Económico e Social), which mandated minimum services guaranteeing 25 percent of train runs during peak morning hours. Union representatives said that complying with the order would compromise safety by deploying unqualified personnel, opting instead to cancel the industrial action.

Fidelidade, the insurer for Lisbon transport operator Carris, has contested a compensation claim stemming from the fatal Glória Funicular (Elevador da Glória) accident on 3 September 2025. In legal filings before the Lisbon Administrative Court, the insurer argued that the funicular could not be considered highly reliable at the time of the crash, which killed 16 people. The legal response comes in an action brought by the family of victim Ana Paula Lopes, whose lawyer criticized the insurer's characterization.

Private patient transport companies will stage a slow-moving protest across Lisbon's 25 de Abril Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) on Monday, October 26, to protest operational conditions. The Portuguese Ambulance League announced that around 100 ambulances and service vehicles will cross the bridge before driving through central Lisbon. Commuters should prepare for major traffic disruptions during the morning rush hour on key routes linking Almada and Lisbon.

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.

National rail operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) has warned of disruptions on 30 October due to a strike called by the Railway Union of Itinerant Commercial Review (Sindicato Ferroviário da Revisão Comercial Itinerante). The rail strike coincides with industrial action planned by Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) workers for 28 and 30 October. CP stated that service impacts may extend to the days immediately before and after the strike date, offering refunds or ticket exchanges to affected passengers.

Lisbon City Council approved a proposal on Wednesday to suspend all shared electric scooters across the capital, giving operators 60 days to remove their vehicles. The initiative, introduced following mounting complaints over dangerous riding and blocked pedestrian walkways, passed with backing from Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas and his ruling coalition.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista), Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda), and Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português) abstained, while Livre and the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) voted against. Moedas argued the suspension is necessary to restore safety and clear public space while the city drafts a municipal regulation, pointing to similar bans in Paris, Madrid, and Brussels.

Labour unions representing Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) workers issued strike notices for October 28 and 30, planning morning walkouts between 05:00 and 10:00. The industrial action stems from unaddressed disputes over working conditions and staffing at central operational command centers. The transport operator announced it will ask the Arbitration Court (Tribunal Arbitral) to mandate minimum service levels (serviços mínimos) to reduce disruption for morning commuters.

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.

Taxis departing from the arrivals terminal at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado) must now apply fixed fares ranging between €16 and €19 depending on the destination zone. The measure, agreed between the Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) and national taxi associations, aims to curb overcharging and improper ride refusals. Full implementation of the airport system, including mandatory card payment terminals and vehicle accreditation, is scheduled for early November.

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 Metro and the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) signed an agreement guaranteeing continuous police presence across the underground network. The protocol formalizes the temporary police station at Laranjeiras operating since June. The accord also sets terms for the police unit to return to Marquês de Pombal once ongoing station renovations are finished.

Metropolitano de Lisboa will suspend subway service between Terreiro do Paço and Santa Apolónia starting in early November until 2028 to accommodate city drainage works. The Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) approved an alternative surface transit plan relying on reinforced bus routes operated by Carris, rejecting proposals for a dedicated shuttle. The municipality will also pay €2.6 million in financial compensation to the metro operator during the construction period.

A strike by EasyJet cabin crew has led to the cancellation of approximately 80% of the airline's scheduled flights. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (Sindicato Nacional do Pessoal de Voo da Aviação Civil or SNPVAC) reports that 443 flights were canceled, while accusing the company of failing to comply with labor laws regarding wages and scheduling stability.

The Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP) has proposed fixing the price of intermodal transport passes at 20 euros for the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas, as well as other intermunicipal communities. The party argues that the state must provide the necessary funding to ensure this price point, particularly as the government introduces new rail-only passes.

The government has requested further information from ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal regarding the expansion strategy for the New Lisbon Airport (Novo Aeroporto de Lisboa or NAL). Officials are seeking justification for the current terminal configuration and are pushing to accelerate the project's timeline, which is currently scheduled for completion in 2037.

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.

The river transport company Transtejo Soflusa (TTSL) has proposed increasing the price of occasional tickets on the route between Cais do Sodré and Cacilhas. Chairman Rui Rei stated that over 90% of these tickets are used by tourists and argued that the sector should contribute more to financing public services.

Starting October 15, taxi trips from Lisbon Airport will transition to a fixed-fare system to improve price transparency. Depending on the destination zone, passengers will pay either 16 or 19 euros, following an agreement between taxi associations and the Lisbon City Council.

Update: DECO challenges legality of new airport taxi fares

The Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection (Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor or DECO) has questioned the legality of the new fixed-fare protocol. The organization argues that the measure may limit consumer choice and potentially penalize passengers who would otherwise benefit from metered rates.

Public transport operator Carris has introduced 29 new fully electric buses in Lisbon, completing a 17.05 million euro investment funded by the PRR. The initiative is part of a broader 31 million euro project aimed at decarbonizing the city's fleet by 2030. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas and Minister Miguel Pinto Luz attended the presentation, noting that electric vehicles now account for over 50% of the company's total mileage.

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.

Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida announced that two billion euros in projects originally excluded from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) will now be funded by the State Budget. The minister assured the public that this shift will not result in any tax increases.

Update: PRR execution reaches 100%

Minister Manuel Castro Almeida confirmed that Portugal has reached 100% execution of the PRR. He warned that the country must now prepare to rely less on European funds and increase public investment through the national State Budget (Orçamento do Estado).

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 Cais do Sodré station of the Lisbon Metro reopens this Thursday at 6:30 am following a 19-day closure. The shutdown was necessary to facilitate railway signaling works connected to the development of the new Circular Line (Linha Circular).

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has enacted new legislation to overhaul the licensing, maintenance, and oversight of rail transport in Portugal. The new framework applies to metropolitan systems, trams, and historic funiculars, following the fatal derailment of the Glória funicular in 2025.

A recent analysis of train travel between Lisbon and Porto reveals that only 2.7% of services arrived on time between July 27 and August 2. On average, both Intercidades and Alfa Pendular trains are arriving 20 minutes behind schedule, with most delays originating at the departure station.

A TAP Air Portugal flight bound for Curitiba, Brazil, returned to Lisbon on Saturday after the captain declared an emergency. The Airbus A330 experienced a suspected depressurization issue at 30,000 feet, prompting a descent to 10,000 feet and a fuel-dumping maneuver before landing safely. No injuries were reported among those on board.

The Cais do Sodré metro station in Lisbon will be closed to the public from August 8 to August 26. The closure is required for railway signalling upgrades as part of the construction of the new Circular Line, with bus services provided by Carris as an alternative.

A high-speed rail link will connect the future Lisbon airport to the city center in 20 minutes. The new airport project, estimated to cost between 7.9 and 8.9 billion euros, is expected to open in 2035 and will be supported by extensive new rail, road, and utility infrastructure.

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.

Ten months after the Glória Funicular accident in Lisbon, only two of the 40 compensation claims have been settled. The Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda or BE) criticized the delay and the lack of scrutiny regarding the maintenance contract with the company MNTC following a meeting with the municipal transport operator, Carris.

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.

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz stated that there is no longer chaos at Portuguese airports, citing a reinforcement of security forces for border control. The government expects a calmer summer season for travelers following these operational adjustments.

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.

A general strike organized by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses or CGTP) caused significant nationwide disruptions to public transport, education, and healthcare on June 3. The action targeted proposed labor reforms championed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, which unions argue threaten worker rights. While the strike was constitutionally protected, it faced criticism for its timing and lack of support from other major unions like the UGT.

Update: Protesters released following general strike demonstrations

The five individuals detained during protests outside the Assembly of the Republic following the strike have been released by the court. They are now required to provide identity and residence information (termo de identidade e residência) while awaiting further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Luís Neves expressed support for the police response during the strike, stating that the force acted firmly to uphold the law.

A general strike across Portugal on Wednesday led to significant national disruptions, including the cancellation of nearly 45% of scheduled flights. The industrial action also forced the closure of schools and delayed municipal meetings, with the airport management company ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal reporting that many cancellations were processed in advance to mitigate terminal congestion.

Update: Strike impact on air travel

Official data from ANA confirms that 658 out of 1,472 scheduled flights were cancelled due to the strike, representing a 44.7% reduction in total air traffic.

Luxair has postponed flights to and from Lisbon and Porto originally scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, due to the nationwide general strike in Portugal. The airline confirmed that while these major hubs are affected, flights to Funchal and Faro are expected to proceed as planned. Passengers are advised to check their flight status as the industrial action impacts aviation and ground handling services across the country.

A coordinated general strike called by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses or CGTP) is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, with disruptions expected to begin as early as Tuesday. The industrial action will affect national airspace, railway operations, and urban public transport, with authorities advising passengers to check flight statuses before heading to airports.

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.

Two French children, aged three and five, who were abandoned by their parents in Alcácer do Sal last week, have returned to France. The Setúbal Judicial Court confirmed that the repatriation was organized through cooperation between Portuguese and French authorities to ensure the children's well-being. The case remains under investigation following the initial discovery of the minors alone on a road.

The government has approved the creation of a Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) to consolidate 13 existing support schemes, including the Social Insertion Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção or RSI). The new policy requires working-age recipients to perform up to 15 hours of community work per week, with non-compliance resulting in the loss of benefits. Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho noted that the measure originated from a proposal by the previous socialist administration, while several left-wing parties have criticized the mandatory social work requirement.

Portugal's public accounts shifted from a surplus in March to a deficit of 1.548 billion euros by the end of April. According to data from the Budgetary Entity, this negative balance represents a significant decline compared to the same period last year, driven by reduced revenue in central and regional administrations. While tax revenue saw a modest 1.2% increase, overall public expenditure grew by 6.9%.

The Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Hugo Espírito Santo, stated that border control delays at Portuguese airports are part of a broader European problem rather than a national failure. This contradicts the European Commission, which maintains that processing times for the new Entry/Exit System (Sistema de Entrada/Saída or EES) should be minimal.

Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz acknowledged that long border control queues at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports are damaging Portugal's international image. Passenger numbers have risen by nearly 70% over the last decade, yet infrastructure and staffing levels have not kept pace, leading to significant delays for travelers arriving from outside the Schengen Area.

The national rail operator, CP, has launched a public tender worth 504 million euros to acquire 12 high-speed trains, with options for eight additional units. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz confirmed the project aims for operational status by 2032, connecting Lisbon, Porto, and Vigo, with the first new trains expected to arrive in 2031.

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.