Fertagus Enhances Lisbon Connections with New Double and Single Trains Starting January 20

Fertagus is set to improve its rail connections between the southern bank and Lisbon during peak hours with the introduction of double and single trains starting January 20, 2025. The company has assured that there will be no consecutive single trains between Coina and Lisbon, addressing recent complaints from passengers about overcrowded trains, particularly at the Pragal station in Almada.

The company stated, “A new service of double and single trains will commence, following monitoring of the increasing demand and utilization of the new schedules.” They will also provide information regarding the occupancy levels during peak hours.

Recent social media complaints have highlighted that since the schedule changes in December, trains departing from Setúbal fill up quickly, leaving passengers stranded. Inés de Medeiros, the mayor of Almada, emphasized the urgent need for more carriages to alleviate the congestion.

The new schedule, which offers trains every 20 minutes in both directions, was announced as part of a contract extension with the government, extending the Fertagus concession until March 31, 2031. However, users have expressed dissatisfaction as the increase in frequency has not been matched by an increase in carriages, particularly impacting residents of Almada and Seixal.

Since the new timetable took effect on December 15, Fertagus has promised adjustments to better match supply with demand during peak times. The railway link between Lisbon and the southern bank was inaugurated on July 29, 1999, aiming to reduce car traffic on the 25 de Abril Bridge.