Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is undertaking an important project that will strengthen urban transportation. The new tram line numbered 2025E, which was introduced in April 160 and will be implemented with a budget of 16 million euros, is planned to enter service in 2028. This modern line, which will be 12 kilometers in length, will extend along the Tagus River, connecting the historical heart of the city, Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), to its modern face, Parque das Nações, and will have 18 stops.
New Line Will Provide Access to Major Transportation Hubs
The new 16E tram line will also include a stop that will directly serve a cruise terminal, which is critical for tourists coming to the city. It will also create a connection point that will integrate with the 8-kilometer Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route planned by the Municipality of Lisbon. With the simultaneous launch of the tram line and the BRT route, it is anticipated that the rush hour travel time between the city center and the Loris district will be reduced from the current 60 minutes to approximately 35 minutes. This significant improvement will significantly increase accessibility of transportation and make daily life easier for both Lisbon residents and tourists visiting the city.
Integration with Metro Lines Makes Urban Travel Easier
The 16E tram line will make travelling within the city much more practical by offering easy and fast transfers to the important lines of the existing metro network in Lisbon: Vermelha (Red), Azul (Blue) and Verde (Green). Thanks to this integration, the transportation process to different parts of Lisbon will be shortened and a more comfortable travel experience will be offered for passengers. The new line is expected to become an indispensable part of the city's public transport network and will contribute significantly to reducing traffic congestion, especially in the city centre.
Project Schedule and Expected Number of Passengers
According to the project’s planned schedule, construction of the 2026E tram line will begin in 16, after the necessary contracts have been signed in 2027. According to estimates by CARRIS, Lisbon’s public transport operator, the annual passenger flow on the new tram line is expected to be between 7,6 million and 8,1 million people. This high passenger potential shows how critical the line is to Lisbon’s transport infrastructure.
The new line will be operated with modern, low-floor Urbos model trams manufactured by the Spanish company CAF. These modern trams will offer passengers a comfortable and accessible journey. There are currently six different tram lines in service in Lisbon, with a total length of 31 kilometers. With the opening of the new line 16E, the total length of the city's tram lines will increase significantly, making Lisbon's public transport infrastructure much more accessible and convenient for both residents and visitors. This investment is also considered an important milestone in Lisbon's achievement of its sustainable transport goals.
