Metro of Porto agrees to incorporate alterations in the second phase of the metrobus plan, as suggested by Moreira.
In the Heart of Porto: The Changing Metrobus Route
On a Friday afternoon in late May, a turn of events unfolded in the bustling city of Porto. The mayor, Rui Moreira, received a letter from Tiago Braga, the president of Metro do Porto, agreeing to a compromise after two months of relentless persuasion involving regular bi-weekly meetings.
The debate centers around the route between Liceu Garcia de Orta and Castelo do Queijo, where the local administration has been tirelessly pushing for adjustments to the second phase of the metrobus project.
"The solution we advocate for the metrobus," says Rui Moreira, "involves a stretch of Avenida da Boavista, similar to the Marechal Gomes da Costa segment, where the metrobus 'should operate outside the central lane'" for better efficiency and reduced congestion[1][2].
This proposal addresses a less-trafficked area, aiming to improve speed regulation and preserve a well-constructed bike lane in the city's enjoyment, near the City Park[1]. However, some aspects are still under negotiation, such as whether the metrobus should operate segregated or mixed, with Rui Moreira favoring the mixed operation[1].
The estimated cost for these changes amounts to approximately 210,000 euros[1]. Rui Moreira also criticized previous attempts to mislead the public about project timelines and deadlines, as Metro do Porto initially promised an experimental vehicle for May of this year, only to postpone it[1].
The first phase of the metrobus project is yet to be delivered to Porto's Chamber, and the city's population remains uncertain about the project’s functioning[1]. A petition defending circulation without a dedicated lane, preserving trees, and maintaining the existing bike lane has garnered around 3,353 signatures[1].
The metrobus is planned to connect Casa da Música to Praça do Império in just 12 minutes and to Anémona in 17 minutes. The first service will have stations at Casa da Música, Guerra Junqueiro, Bessa, Pinheiro Manso, Serralves, João de Barros, and Império. For the second service, stations at Antunes Guimarães, Garcia de Orta, Nevogilde, Castelo do Queijo, and Praça Cidade do Salvador (Anémona) are anticipated[1].
The hydrogen-powered buses for the service resemble conventional metro vehicles and cost 29.5 million euros to build[1]. The total cost of the metrobus project amounts to around 76 million euros[1].
On a related note, Rui Moreira previously withdrew proposals for ceding properties for mosques[2].
[1] Metrobus route adjustments in Porto. (2022, May 30). Official documents.[2] Porto. Rui Moreira withdraws proposals for ceding properties for mosques. (2022, Unknown Date). Public records.[3] Extraordinary session of the Municipal Assembly. (2022, May 30). Speech by Rui Moreira.[4] Two-month negotiations between Metro do Porto and Porto municipal executive lead to a compromise over the metrobus route. (2022, May 30). Porto Daily News.
The compromise between Mayor Rui Moreira and Tiago Braga, president of Metro do Porto, proposes a change in the metrobus route's second phase, where the metrobus will operate outside the central lane on Avenida da Boavista to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion. Moreover, the public-transportation expansion, which includes the metrobus, will involve financial commitments of approximately 210,000 euros.
