MetroBus conducts its initial night operation following a nine-month hold-up
Firing Up the Porto Metrobus: Late-Night Trials Finally Kick Off
The anticipation was palpable as the Porto Metrobus embarked on its inaugural trials during the small hours of Friday morning. Confirmation came from none other than Lusa on the scene, with Metro do Porto confirming the smoothly running test ride.
The metrobus journeyed the entire Boavista - Imperium link, gliding along the avenues of Boavista and Marechal Gomes da Costa, flawlessly executing the required reversal at both terminals.
Metro do Porto, the transport company, revealed that the trials were conducted by technicians from the Portuguese supplier, CaetanoBus, under the watchful gaze of representatives from Metro do Porto, and backed by the Municipal Police.
Once announced way back in August that the main works on the metrobus project were complete, a significant nine-month wait ensued. The only remaining tasks were minor touch-ups at the stations, landscaping, and gardening.
Bike Lane Revolution
The idling of the bus lane caused a stir in the community. Back in April, Tiago Braga, the president of Metro do Porto, had hinted at the metrobus trials starting as early as the first week of May, before rescheduling to 'the last week' of May. However, the trials eventually commenced on the night of May 26.
The hale of the unused bus lane eventually transformed into a bustling bike lane due to the absence of buses. Advocates in the transport sector had been vocal about reevaluating the project to cater to both motor vehicles and soft mobility.
Passengers Await as Delays Mount
The Metrobus of Porto is anticipated to ferry approximately 20,000 passengers each day. While the first buses are expected to arrive between January and February of 2025, the project has faced several delays due to issues with the tender for acquiring the buses and hydrogen production system, which were canceled and reissued.
In August, the Porto City Council lamented the lack of explanations and voiced concerns about Metro do Porto's transparency, coordination, and communication. Despite the turbulent process, the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the municipality, the state, and Metro do Porto is yet to take place.
Construction work at the STCP collection station in Areosa, designed to accommodate the hydrogen production station, is ongoing. In the interim, the supplying consortium will ensure a mobile hydrogen refueling point until production commences.
The Porto Metrobus network will connect Casa da Música to Praça do Império and Anémona in a mere 12 and 17 minutes, respectively. The total cost of the vehicle and energy production system amounts to 29.5 million euros, with the Metrobus project budgeted at around 76 million euros.
[1] For specific insights regarding the delayed starting of the trials, consultation of official announcements or press releases from Metro do Porto is advised.
The delayed starting of the trials for the Porto Metrobus was caused by issues with the tender for acquiring the buses and hydrogen production system, leading to cancellations and res issuances.
The contested bus lane, initially meant for the Porto Metrobus, was eventually transformed into a bustling bike lane due to the delays and absence of buses, sparking discussions in the transport sector about catering to both motor vehicles and soft mobility.
![Disrupted train traffic persisted the day after. [Image available]](/en/img/20250608230700_image-description-sunset-beach-scenic-view-ocean-waves-sandy-shore-coastal-cliff.jpeg)
