Summary:
Fertagus train service now experiences overcrowding during peak hours.
Passenger numbers from SetĂşbal have surged by 30%, leading to train capacity issues.
Adjustments made include ensuring double trains during peak times.
The government is exploring operational improvements to address the situation.
Occupancy rates are now displayed to help passengers choose less crowded trains.
Overcrowding Crisis in Fertagus Train Service
The Fertagus train service, once praised for its quality, is now struggling with overcrowding, particularly during peak morning hours. The president of Seixal’s City Hall, Paulo Silva, described the situation as passengers being transported "like sardines in a can."
Increased Demand and Service Changes
A 30% surge in passengers traveling from SetĂşbal has led to unprecedented crowds on the trains. The government had announced a renegotiation and extension of the Fertagus concession, promising a 20-minute frequency during peak hours. However, the increased frequency has led to overcrowding for passengers boarding at Corroios and Pragal.
Reasons Behind the Overcrowding
The sudden increase in passengers has overwhelmed the current service, which lacks adequate trains to meet this demand. Fertagus highlighted to the government in 2023 the necessity for more trains, but no action has been taken yet.
Changes Implemented by Fertagus
Fertagus made adjustments to its schedule on January 20, aiming to better align supply with demand. They now ensure that two consecutive trains are not of lower capacity, introducing double trains during peak times to accommodate more passengers.
Additionally, they’ve started displaying occupancy rates on their website to help passengers choose less crowded trains.
Other Contributing Factors
Fertagus also pointed out that operational issues such as delays, equipment failures, and incidents with passengers have compounded the overcrowding problem, especially coinciding with the new schedule rollout.
Passenger Growth Forecast
The service has seen a 30% increase in passengers from SetĂşbal in early January compared to the previous year. While initial studies indicated expected growth, the actual demand has surpassed estimates.
Future Considerations
Fertagus operates with 18 trains, the same number as when the service began, and has indicated to the government that increasing service frequency without additional trains is unsustainable. The government is currently exploring operational material availability to improve the situation.
Immediate measures include lifting speed restrictions on certain train segments, aiming to reduce travel time by two minutes.
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