Lisbon and Oeiras Advance with €93.5 Million Bus Rapid Transit Project
The municipalities of Lisbon and Oeiras are moving forward with the implementation of the LIOS (Linha Intermodal Ocidental Sustentável) project, now re-envisioned as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to provide a rapid transport link between the two economically vital councils. The project, which evolved from an earlier plan for a light rail surface metro, will feature electric buses running on a fully segregated roadway. This strategic shift to a BRT solution was chosen to ensure a faster and more cost-effective implementation, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028.
The joint will of the two municipalities drove the decision to adopt the BRT model, which carries an investment of €93.5 million. This figure and the reduced construction timeline are critical for securing financing through European Funds. The project is designed to address the daily transit needs of thousands of commuters and is projected to serve an estimated 22,000 passengers per weekday, potentially removing 4,000 cars from circulation daily within its first year.
The new 'Transporte Rápido Lisboa/Oeiras' will be structured around two primary axes. The first will connect Alcântara to Algés, following part of the original LIOS alignment. The second, a significant expansion of the initial concept, will establish a connection between Algés and Colégio Militar, integrating with the Blue Line of the Lisbon Metro. This northern axis is designed to serve high-density residential and business areas such as Miraflores, Linda-a-Velha, and Carnaxide, which are currently underserved by high-capacity public transport.
The core of the BRT system's effectiveness lies in its segregated channel, which separates it from general traffic. This design guarantees operational predictability and a high commercial speed, with officials estimating travel time reductions of up to 35% compared to cars. The flexibility of the BRT system also allows for the number of buses in operation to be adjusted according to demand, providing a scalable solution that can be integrated with existing urban transport networks in both Lisbon and Oeiras.
The project's history dates back to discussions in the 1990s for a tram corridor. In 2021, the municipalities of Oeiras, Lisbon, and Loures, along with transport operators Carris and Metro, formed a partnership for the original LIOS project. After a period of review, the municipalities of Oeiras and Lisbon assumed full control, publicly presenting the revised BRT plan in July.
Rui Rei, President of Parques Tejo, emphasized the pragmatic nature of the decision. He stated that the BRT system represents a concrete action to address a real and urgent need for better metropolitan mobility. The project is seen as a key component of Oeiras's 'Cardinal' strategy, which aims to structure metropolitan mobility by articulating existing transport modes and developing missing links. The new line is expected to reinforce the connection between two of the country's most dynamic economies and establish Algés as a primary gateway for the region.
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