Exciting Updates: Carris Metropolitana Enhances Lisbon Connections with New Routes and Schedules!

March Brings Exciting Changes to Carris Metropolitana

March brings several new features to Carris Metropolitana, including enhancements on some of the most sought-after routes, such as the Moita-Montijo-Lisbon corridor and connections between Mafra and Lisbon.

The 4701 line has been one of the most reinforced (photo LPP)

The Carris Metropolitana has once again reinforced the Moita-Montijo-Lisbon corridor, one of the main routes in the operation of area 4. The 4701 line saw its service increased at the beginning of March, and a new line, 4741, was introduced as an express service. "With a constant growth in passenger numbers and successive schedule enhancements, this route consistently reaches new milestones, becoming the second most sought-after in this area," indicates Carris Metropolitana in a statement.

The 4701 line connects the South Bank to Gare do Oriente and plays a vital role in the municipalities of Moita and Montijo. This line has been increasingly reinforced since June 2022 to meet the growing needs of passengers and to provide a more efficient and comfortable public transport service.

Gare do Oriente is a key connection point between Lisbon and the surrounding metropolitan area (photo LPP)

Since the start of Carris Metropolitana's operation, the 4701 line has seen significant growth. For example, in June 2022, it had 87 schedules on weekdays, which increased to 129 schedules by the end of last year. The monthly passenger count also rose from 47,000 in June 2022 to 164,000 in December 2024.

Starting March 1, the 4701 line will have a new route starting in Alhos Vedros, connecting to Lisbon. This route will operate twice daily on weekdays, departing Alhos Vedros at 6:50 AM and 7:20 AM. The express route of the 4701 will now be an independent line with a new number: 4741 | Lisbon (Oriente) – Vale da Amoreira | Express.

This express line will also have new return schedules, departing from Lisbon (Oriente) at 5:55 PM, 6:25 PM, and 6:55 PM. The schedules from Vale da Amoreira will remain unchanged.

Express route of the 4741 (via Carris Metropolitana)

In fact, since April 2023, with the increasing number of passengers on the 4701 line, 12 express schedules have already been implemented, departing from Vale da Amoreira towards Lisbon via A33, reducing travel time during peak morning hours. "With these changes, Carris Metropolitana aims to meet the commuting needs of the population, promoting more accessible and efficient mobility in a corridor that has historically lacked transport options," states TML in a communication.

Other Enhancements in the South Bank

The 4600 line underwent restructuring across its three integrated routes to ensure greater frequency during peak hours. In 2024, the 4600 transported over two million passengers, establishing itself as the most sought-after line essential for commuters in area 4. The 4600, which connects Freeport de Alcochete to Barreiro, will no longer go to São Francisco, instead traveling exclusively through Samouco. Passengers wishing to reach São Francisco will need to consult the 4512 line.

Additionally, the 4512 line, which is the third most sought-after in area 4, will be restructured to optimize service on the Alcochete-Montijo-Setúbal-Palmela corridor, including schedule enhancements and adjustments. On weekdays, the line will have a frequency of 20 minutes during peak morning and afternoon hours; during other periods, it will operate every 40 minutes, except for night hours, which will be hourly until the last departure around midnight. Starting March 1, the 4512 line will serve Alto Estanqueiro at certain times, adding eight new stops, including the St. Peter’s School.

Changes in the 4512 line (via Carris Metropolitana)

Finally, also on March 1, significant changes will be made to the 3543 line, including route alterations and the introduction of two new stops, serving Avenida 1º de Maio and Rua 25 de Abril in Sesimbra. There will also be adjustments to the schedules on the 3620 line. Both lines play a crucial mobility role at the Coina station and in Quinta do Conde.

The new 3543 circular (via Carris Metropolitana)

Updates Also in the North

The Carris Metropolitana has also rolled out schedule enhancements in the North Bank of the metropolitan area. There are 15 added schedules on the Mafra-Lisbon corridor, linking important points in the municipality of Mafra, such as Ericeira, Malveira, and Venda do Pinheiro, to the capital. Since January 2023, the corridor has already seen an increase of 81 schedules on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/holidays, with more updates coming to lines 2740, 2742, and 2804.

Since January 2023, schedules on the Mafra-Lisbon corridor have increased from 285 schedules on weekdays, 78 on Saturdays, and 65 on weekends to 339, 93, and 77, respectively, by the end of last year.

The 2740 line will now include a 12:25 AM service on weekdays year-round, departing from Lisbon towards Ericeira. The 2742 and 2804 lines will see schedule enhancements and new routes added.

In the municipalities of Amadora, Sintra, and Oeiras, schedule enhancements and other updates will be implemented starting March 3. The 1005 line, between Amadora station and the UBBO shopping center, will gain 12 new schedules on weekdays, including during holiday and summer periods, along with schedule adjustments in both directions. The 1013 line will extend its route, serving Reboleira station and the Sky City Urbanization. The 1219 line, between Agualva-Cacém station and Mira Sintra market, will add four new schedules, while the 1240 line, between Negrais and Portela de Sintra, will introduce a new schedule on school weekdays. Finally, the 1523 line, connecting Oeiras and Agualva-Cacém train stations, will gain five new morning schedules.

Changes in the 1013 line (via Carris Metropolitana)