Coimbra's €220 Million Metro do Mondego Project Commences Operations
The Ministry of Infrastructure has announced that the long-awaited Metro do Mondego will begin its preliminary operations this Friday, August 29. After nearly thirty years of planning and delays, the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will launch its first phase, a five-kilometer stretch with 10 stations connecting Portagem and Vale das Flores within the city of Coimbra. This initial service will be offered to the public free of charge.
The project specifications detail a significant upgrade to the region's public transport infrastructure. The Metro do Mondego, which replaced a previous plan for a light rail network, has been developed with an investment of €220 million. The full system is designed to connect the three municipalities of Coimbra, Lousã, and Miranda do Corvo, covering a total distance of 42 kilometers. The complete line, extending to Serpins in Lousã, is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The operational plan includes a fleet of 35 modern, high-capacity buses, each capable of transporting up to 136 passengers. In the urban core of Coimbra, the service is projected to run with a frequency of every five minutes during peak hours, designed to accommodate a significant portion of the city's commuters. The system is forecast to serve an estimated 13 million passengers annually, positioning it as a cornerstone of regional mobility.
Miguel Pinto Luz, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, commented on the launch in an official statement. 'For decades, the inhabitants of the Coimbra region have waited, and despaired, for the day when the Mondego Metro would finally come into operation,' he said. 'The development of the country and the satisfaction of the population depends on providing them with quality public transport that respects the environment. Therefore, this first step is so important for the region.' The ministry views the project as essential for both economic development and improving the quality of life for local residents.
The launch of the Metro do Mondego is a key part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and connectivity outside of Portugal's main metropolitan areas. The project is expected to have a substantial positive impact on the local economy, facilitating easier commutes and potentially stimulating new residential and commercial development along its route. The government has emphasized its commitment to completing the project and delivering on a long-standing promise to the region.
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