Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 27 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, has travelled to Porto, a leading European hub in rail mobility, to gain firsthand insight into the operation of the Metro do Porto, its intermodality system, infrastructure planning, and the financing of public transport, with the aim of gathering ideas for the island’s regional trains.
This visit is intended to assess the Oporto model and investigate its potential application for the development of both the Southern and Northern Train projects in Tenerife, as well as the expansion of tram lines.
Notably, the construction approach of the ‘Pink Line’, which is entirely underground, will serve as a reference point for the execution of the southern train works, specifically in the South Airport area, while also incorporating intermodality as an essential element in the island’s transport planning.
Accompanied by Eulalia García, the president of Metaranife and Mobility Counsellor, along with the technical team from the Railway company Tenerife, this visit is part of the Cabildo de Tenerife’s strategy to provide a structural solution to long-standing issues related to congestion on the island’s roads.
With a strong commitment to infrastructure that enhances mobility, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and contributes to improved air quality, the island institution reaffirms its “commitment” to pursuing a more sustainable and efficient transport model, according to a statement from the corporation.
Throughout the day, the Tenerife delegation undertook a packed schedule, visiting various key components of the Porto transport system.
The visit commenced with a meeting with the president of the Porto Metro, Tiago Filipe da Costa Braga, and his management team, during which an overview of the system was provided and significant aspects such as its development, expansion, and funding model were discussed.
Impressions were also exchanged with the Metraenfefe team, represented by its managing director, Pedro Ribeiro, along with Ignacio Teresa, maintenance head, Raúl Parra, project manager, and Santiago Correa, communications director.
The president of the Porto Metro explained that the network has experienced significant growth in recent years.
By 2024, it is expected to achieve a new record by transporting around 89.78 million passengers, marking a 13.6% increase from the 79 million recorded in 2023.
Tiago Filipe da Costa Braga noted that they have established themselves as a “reference in Europe” due to their commitment to “innovative design and integration within the urban landscape.”
Its network, covering 67 kilometres and comprising 81 stations, links the city to surrounding municipalities, thereby enhancing regional mobility and serving as a model for other European cities.
Following this, the delegation proceeded to the construction site of the ‘Pink Line’, a new 3.1-kilometre underground rail project that is currently in an advanced stage of construction.
This initiative includes the establishment of four underground stations and three ventilation shafts, in addition to the installation of track, catenary systems, and other essential equipment.
Excavation Techniques
During their visit to the construction site, the Cabildo representatives were able to observe the excavation techniques employed, notably the use of tunnel boring machines and traditional drilling methods in specific sections.
This combination ensures structural integrity while minimising surface disruption, thus alleviating inconvenience for residents and local businesses.
The president of the Porto Metro emphasised that the methodology adopted has been crucial in advancing construction with minimal impact on the city’s daily activities.
Technicians from Metaranife concurred that the execution of this infrastructure offers valuable insights for the Southern Train in Tenerife, particularly regarding the underground section adjacent to the South Airport terminal and the future transport interchange, a vital infrastructure for intermodality on the island, which AENA has already confirmed will be developed.
Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, highlighted that the tunnel construction in Porto illustrates the feasibility of integrating large rail infrastructure into urban settings without significantly disrupting residents’ daily lives.
According to her, “these types of solutions enable us to move towards a modern transport system that aligns with the population’s needs while adhering to the sustainability and efficiency standards we strive for in Tenerife.”
Over 30 Million Passengers Annually
Consequently, the ‘Pink Line’ is anticipated to generate demand exceeding 30 million passenger-kilometres in its first full operational year, thereby reinforcing Porto’s public transport network and enhancing connectivity within the city.
Furthermore, projections indicate that its implementation will lead to a reduction of approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, establishing it as a model of sustainable mobility in Europe.
A notable highlight of the visit was the intermodality of the Porto transport system—a synergy between various transport modes which, in Dávila’s view, “is vital to providing efficient and accessible mobility.”
She commented that “this integration can be achieved by means of intermodal stations and a unified transport card, much like what we have in Tenerife, which facilitates transfers.”
She further noted that “this multimodal transport network will help reduce dependence on private vehicles while enhancing connectivity and providing significantly greater comfort and time savings for passengers.”
The president also remarked that Porto’s experience demonstrates that a rail system can only thrive if designed from an intermodal standpoint.
“It is insufficient to merely construct a train; it is crucial to integrate it with buses, airport transport, and shared mobility options. This is what we aim to achieve in Tenerife,” she explained.
Maintenance and Modernisation
Throughout the day, the delegation also explored the facilities of EMEF (Company of Railway Equipment Maintenance, SA) in Guifões, one of Portugal’s key railway infrastructures dedicated to the maintenance and modernisation of rolling stock.
During their tour, they gained detailed insights into the maintenance, repair, and upgrading processes for trains and trams conducted at these facilities, which are vital for the functioning of the Portuguese rail system.
Additionally, the delegation was introduced to the Rapid Transit (BRT) Bus project in Porto, featuring a 3.8-kilometre route designed to enhance mobility in low-demand corridors.
Specifically, the Casa Da Music was inspected, which will serve as the primary operations centre for the new Metrobus system in Porto.
The Casa Da Music station will provide significant benefits, including a micro-Rotond that will enable buses to change direction in approximately 30 seconds, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Moreover, its design will facilitate fast and comfortable connections with other subway lines and urban buses, promoting effective intermodality for users.
